Still Standing: Geriatric Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
Older adults complete suicide at higher rates and lower attempt-to-completion ratios than any other group, yet the warning signs are systematically missed. This course teaches counselors to recognize geriatric suicide risk factors, conduct evidence-based assessments, and build safety plans suited to the unique social, medical, and existential terrain of later life.
2
CE Hours
3
Modules
15
Quiz Questions
1
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Identify epidemiological patterns and demographic risk factors for suicide in older adults, including the elevated risk profile of older White males
- Apply Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to clinical formulation of geriatric suicidality, including perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness
- Conduct comprehensive suicide risk assessment with older adults using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and complementary instruments
- Construct collaborative safety plans appropriate for the social, medical, and functional context of older adults, including lethal means counseling for firearms
- Document suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and clinical decision-making in accordance with ethical and legal standards
Who it's for
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Psychologists, Counselors working in geriatric, hospital, or community mental health settings
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 2 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.