Suicidology: Your Responsibilities for Protecting Your Clients and the Public

The assessment of suicidality is among the most important functions exercised by mental health professionals. The imperative of keeping the client safe constitutes not only the most important initial clinical objective, but is at the core of good risk management. Research continues to help clinicians predict suicidal behavior in the individual with increasing accuracy. However, there is no single test or method of assessment. Therefore, it is necessary to identify, quantify and manage those factors that constitute clinical risk.

This OnDemand Webinar will focus on the recent research and findings in the area of suicide. Clinicians will learn contemporary methods of risk assessment, risk clarification, related clinical decision making, and short-term counseling and psychotherapy goals. Focus will be placed on identifiable markers of imminent risk, professional liability, malpractice and the standard of care.

Learning Objectives
•You will be able to review suicide demographics and epidemiology.
•You will be able to discuss clinical decision making, management and treatment.
•You will be able to recognize a history of suicidal behavior.

Authors

Agenda

A Brief Review of Suicide Demographics and Epidemiology

• A Practice-Friendly Review
• Efficacy for Prevention of Suicide
• Efficacy for Prevention of Self-Inflicted Injuries

Assessment of Suicidality in Out-Patient Practice

• Distinguishing Between Risk Assessment and Prediction - the Notion of Foreseeability
• A Continuum of Suicidality
• Clinical Decision Making, Management and Treatment

- Predisposition to Suicidal Behavior

- Precipitant and Stressors

- Symptomatic Presentation

- The Presence of Hopelessness

- Assessing Cognitions and Decision Making

- History of Suicidal Behavior

- Assessing Impulsivity and Self-Control

- Protective Factors

Consideration Against No-Suicide Contracts

• Methodological Implications
• Clinical Implications
• Alternatives With Greater Efficacy

Additional Formats