from the Bridge Academy of Innovative Mental Health

Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management

Comprehensive & Compassion-Based Training

Gain the confidence, skills, and resources to approach suicidality with empathy and understanding, helping you make a positive impact in the lives of those at risk.

Enroll $125

CONTINUING EDUCATION

This program provides 12 hours of continuing education units.

Approval NASW-KY 050522. NASW-KY is an approved provider for social work credits through the KBSW.-
Approved Provider for Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists.
Approved by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
Approved Provider #50-33522 Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Course #20-1207080.
Accepted by the OH CSWMFT Board.

"This is by far the most thorough, comprehensive and intersectional look at suicidal assessment and treatment. Absolutely feel that I am a better clinician for having participated in it... So much hard work was put into this and it shows."

Beth, LPCC

"I recently completed this training and it was exceptionally informative and

well-researched... The hands-on techniques and assessment strategies provided were practical and effective. I've already started implementing the worksheets into my sessions, which has significantly boosted my confidence and clinical skills. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to enhance their capabilities in suicide prevention."

Sarah, LCSW

"This course was FANTASTIC. It was sensitive to the needs of the therapist as well as the client. It provided a comprehensive framework for understanding SI. It felt like a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach to working with clients... Beautifully and thoughtfully constructed."

Tiffany, LCSW

"Thank you for all the hard work you have put into this. I feel like the training well exceeded the learning objectives as well as took an emotional/wellness approach that other trainings lack and helped make talking about such a heavy topic seem more optimistic and manageable."

Megan, LPCC

"I'm only at 45% completion and this is already the most extensive suicide training I've ever taken! Excited for this to be available to the masses!"

Kristina, LCSW, LMFT

"This course is, without a doubt, the most thorough, in-depth, and thoughtfully constructed suicide assessment course I have ever taken... I wholeheartedly recommed it to any clinician dedicated to making meaningful difference in the lives of individuals at risk."

Megan, LCSW

"Good use throughout of relevant examples and connecting multicultural considerations. Really important and really well done!"

Dea, LPCA

"Honestly I loved this course. There was so much information that is not usually presented in these courses... I really like all the additional resources like; links to websites, podcasts, and role play videos! I believe these help set this course apart from the trainings I have completed in the past!"

Corbin, LCSW

"This is by far the most thorough, comprehensive and intersectional look at suicidal assessment and treatment. Absolutely feel that I am a better clinician for having participated in it... So much hard work was put into this and it shows."

Beth, LPCC

"I recently completed this training and it was exceptionally informative and

well-researched... The hands-on techniques and assessment strategies provided were practical and effective. I've already started implementing the worksheets into my sessions, which has significantly boosted my confidence and clinical skills. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to enhance their capabilities in suicide prevention."

Sarah, LCSW

"This course was FANTASTIC. It was sensitive to the needs of the therapist as well as the client. It provided a comprehensive framework for understanding SI. It felt like a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach to working with clients... Beautifully and thoughtfully constructed."

Tiffany, LCSW

"Thank you for all the hard work you have put into this. I feel like the training well exceeded the learning objectives as well as took an emotional/wellness approach that other trainings lack and helped make talking about such a heavy topic seem more optimistic and manageable."

Megan, LPCC

"I'm only at 45% completion and this is already the most extensive suicide training I've ever taken! Excited for this to be available to the masses!"

Kristina, LCSW, LMFT

"I recently completed this training and it was exceptionally informative and

well-researched... The hands-on techniques and assessment strategies provided were practical and effective. I've already started implementing the worksheets into my sessions, which has significantly boosted my confidence and clinical skills. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to enhance their capabilities in suicide prevention."

Sarah, LCSW

"I recently completed this training and it was exceptionally informative and

well-researched... The hands-on techniques and assessment strategies provided were practical and effective. I've already started implementing the worksheets into my sessions, which has significantly boosted my confidence and clinical skills. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to enhance their capabilities in suicide prevention."

Sarah, LCSW

At A Glance

Client Role-Plays, Additional Webinars, and Guided Practices
Support for Therapists During and After Course
Guidelines for Treatment at Each Risk Level
Evidence-Based Content From Over 200 Peer-Reviewed References
Various Forms of Instruction to Support All Learning Styles
Downloadable PDF Worksheets and Handouts

Suicide is a complex issue that requires a compassionate and comprehensive approach for both clients and clinicians. This course explores the topic of suicide from multiple theoretical perspectives, emphasizing a compassionate and evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing this critical issue. Utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-environmental model of suicide, this course considers a multitude of factors that contribute to suicidal ideation and behavior, which are crucial for developing effective intervention strategies.

Participants will learn how to:

conduct thorough risk assessments for suicide, including identifying up-to-date risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs
utilize evidence-based assessment tools and techniques to help you accurately assess suicide risk in diverse populations
create plans for ongoing treatment for clients facing acute and chronic suicide risk

Included in this course are extensive resources to enhance your learning experience:

client role plays
audio and video formats
downloadable worksheets and references
and more!

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the impact of language and stigma on individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or behavior.
2. Analyze statistical trends related to suicide rates and demographics, including factors influencing variations.
3. Identify and evaluate both risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation and behavior.
4. Explore the principles of functional medicine in the context of suicide assessment and treatment.
5. Examine the neurobiological underpinnings of suicidal ideation and behavior, including relevant brain mechanisms and pathways.
6. Critically assess evidence-based practices for suicide assessment, intervention, and postvention.
7. Develop skills in crisis intervention techniques specific to suicide crises, emphasizing compassionate and strengths-based approaches.
8. Evaluate ethical considerations and legal frameworks pertinent to suicide assessment and treatment.
9. Apply a bio-psycho-social-environmental-spiritual lens to understand the complex interplay of factors influencing suicidal ideation and behavior.
10. Synthesize course content to develop comprehensive suicide risk assessment and treatment plans that prioritize the individual's strengths and holistic well-being.

Course Contents

Sections 1-4 : 45 Min
-- Introduction
--Approaching Suicide Training With Compassion
--Language and Suicide
--Research and Statistics

Sections 5-7: 130 Min
--Understanding Suicide Pt. 1
Understanding Suicide Pt. 2
Understanding Suicide Pt. 3

Sections 8-9: 115 Min
--Theories
--Ethics and Legality

Sections 10-12: 120 Min
--Assessing Risk
--Example Crisis Response Plan
--Protective Factors and Strengths

Sections 13-15: 90-150 Min
--Sample "Doorknob" Assessment
--(Optional) Lethal Means Counseling
--Integrative and Evidence-Based Treatment

Sections 16-19: 160 Min
--Person-in-Environment Treatment Considerations Pt. 1
--Person-in-Environment Treatment Considerations Pt. 2
--Chronic Risk: Addressing Psychache
--Passive SI and Suicidal OCD

Sections 20-21: 50 Min
--General Strategies and Interventions in Suicide Treatment
--High Five! Almost Finished...

Laurel Sims-Stewart

M.Ed., LPCC-S, IMHP

Therapist, Creative & Content Developer

Juniper Owens

LCSW, LMT, IMHP

Co-Founder & Director

Juniper earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the University of Louisville and is a licensed clinical social worker in Kentucky. Juniper holds certifications in various therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, grief therapy, and Crisis and Suicide First Response. Juniper co-founded Bridge Counseling and Wellness, a leading integrative mental health center in Louisville. She has also taught at the Kent School of Social Work, teaching Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and currently focuses on educational facilitation at the Academy. She is the creator and one of the hosts of the Conscious Mental Health Podcast, where she provides educational content in the field of mental health, focusing on the person-in-environment perspective. Her clinical expertise includes a range of therapeutic approaches, particularly in the treatment of anxiety and crisis work.

Laurel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and supervisor with her master’s in Art Therapy. She is the recipient of the 2019 Bridge to Light award for Child Counseling and Support. In her work with the Academy, Laurel focuses on content production, training, and resource development. Laurel specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and life stage transitions. Throughout her time in practice, she has always gravitated toward an integrative, systemic, and insight-based approach. She most often utilizes narrative, somatic, psychodynamic, and expressive techniques that incorporate both mindfulness and psychoeducation. She encourages all of her clients to take an active role in writing the narrative of their life by including elements of mind, body, and spirit throughout.