Most suicides that take place are associated with some form of mental illness, including substance abuse disorders. Approximately 90% people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric illness (major depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, PTSD, etc.). In addition, 39% of Virginians who die by suicide were in treatment with a mental health professional at the time of their death.
The following information is a listing of trainings and resources for mental health professionals.
Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians (RRSR)
RRSR is a two day interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and
manage suicide risk. The goal is for clinicians to be confident, competent, and prepared to meet the needs of distressed clients and their families. To
read more about the RRSR and its curriculum, click here.
Lethal Means Counseling
Many suicide attempts are made impulsively during a short-term crisis period. If highly lethal means are made less available to impulsive attempters and
they substitute less lethal means, or temporarily postpone their attempt, the odds are increased that they will survive. Unfortunately, some mental health
professionals are not asking their patients about access to lethal means. A survey of psychiatrists found that half had never seriously considered
assessing firearm access among their patients (Price 2007).
Assessing lethal means is an important part of any suicide prevention effort. For information on how to provide lethal means counseling to clients and their family/loved ones, click here.
Tip 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment
Developed by the substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this publication provides guidelines to help substance abuse treatment
counselors work with suicidal adult clients. The publication covers risk factors and warning signs for suicide, core counselor competencies, clinical
vignettes, and information for administrators and clinical supervisors. To download a copy of the publication, click here.
Below is a video companion to TIP 50 that was created in conjunction with the Department of Veteran Affairs. The video discusses the TIP 50 publication and includes case scenarios demonstrating counseling techniques and a 4-step process for addressing suicide.
Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T)
This pocket card for mental health clinicians and health care professionals provides protocols for conducting a comprehensive suicide assessment,
estimating suicide risk, identifying protective factors, and developing treatment plans and interventions responsive to the risk level of patients. PDF
versions of the card are available online by clicking here. Laminated SAFE-T cards are
available from SAMHSA for free at http://www.store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA09-4432.
Adolescent Coping with Depression (CWD-A)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Late-Life Depression
Multisystemic Therapy with Psychiatric Supports (MST-Psychiatric)
Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Suicidal Ideation.
(Gliatto, M, Rai, A. American Family Physician 1999; 59(6): 1500-13.)
American Academy of Pediatrics Resources for Safety, Suicide, and Violence Prevention
Press Release: Cognitive Therapy Reduces Youth Suicide
(National Institute of Mental Health, 2005)
Approaching the Suicidal Patient.
(Stovall, J & Domino, F. American Family Physician 2003; 68: 1814-13.)
Public health training on the prevention of youth violence and suicide an overview.
(Browne A, Barber CW, Stone DM, Meyer AL. Am J Prev Med 2005; 29(5 Suppl 2): 233-9.)
Suicide prevention in primary care: Careful questioning, prompt treatment can save lives.
(Hamilton, NG. Postgraduate Medicine Online 2000; 108(6).)
Child Suicide and the Schools
(Pediatrics, 2000; 106(5): 1167.)