Understanding Suicide—What Mental Health Professional Need to know about Assessment and Managing Suicide Risk

“Understanding Suicide—What Mental Health Professional Need to know about Assessment and Managing Suicide Risk” will intensely delve into the best practices in working with clients who may be at risk for suicide. The program will address the importance of understanding one’s self including professional competency and scope of practice as well as one’s personal readiness to treat at risk clients. Attendees will discuss ethical considerations and legal requirements of assessing and treating at risk and suicidal clients. Attendees will be given an in-depth understanding of the various levels of care for both voluntary and involuntary clients as well as available recourses. This program will discuss assessing and treating suicidal risk including current models, assessment and screening tools, how to assess risk and protective factors, and how to document throughout the process. The program will further discuss the importance of professional collaboration and self-care. Attendees will have the opportunity to review and discuss specific vignettes and ask questions throughout the program. Objectives: 1.) Evaluate personal readiness to assess and treat clients at risk for suicide 2.) Discuss the legal and ethical obligations and considerations in the Assessment and Treatment of clients at risk for suicide 3.) Efficiently and adequately assess client level of risk utilizing a clear framework including eliciting suicidal ideation, behavior, plans, and intent 4.) Utilize clinical judgement in identifying level of care needed and treatment planning including referral to higher level of care when needed 5.) Demonstrate increased confidence in documenting the assessment, treatment, and collaboration process. 6.) Develop a safety plan and crisis response plan 7.) Discuss the importance of collaborative relationships. 8.) Discuss the importance of self-care