Suicide Risk Assessment: Evidence-Based Approaches for Mental Health Professionals
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming approximately 49,500 lives annually. This comprehensive 4-hour interactive course provides counselors with evidence-based frameworks for understanding suicidal behavior, conducting thorough risk assessments using the C-SSRS and clinical interviewing, implementing the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention, applying lethal means counseling protocols, and managing complex ethical-legal considerations. Through clinical vignettes, decision points, and practical exercises, participants develop competence and confidence for working with clients experiencing suicidal crises.
4
CE Hours
7
Modules
20
Quiz Questions
4
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Analyze current epidemiological data on suicide to inform culturally responsive assessment and intervention
- Apply theoretical models including Joiner's Interpersonal-Psychological Theory to understand suicide risk
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments using the C-SSRS and evidence-based clinical interviewing
- Implement the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention across risk levels
- Apply lethal means counseling protocols including CALM for firearms
- Identify population-specific risk factors for adolescents, older adults, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals
- Navigate ethical and legal obligations including duty to protect and involuntary hospitalization
- Develop sustainable self-care strategies for working with suicidal clients
Who it's for
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC),Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC),Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW),Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT),Psychologists,Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners,Graduate-level counseling students under supervision
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 4 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.