Suicide Overview & Assessment

Course overview

This program will provide an empirically driven theoretical model for understanding and managing suicidal thinking and behavior. Dr. Rudd's presentation cuts across both assessment and treatment and recognizes the time limitations in many clinical contexts. He will review in detail Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a treatment that integrates core skill deficits and individual self- management. He will also identify core competencies mental health professional will need to manage these difficult cases. Participants will learn a range of straightforward skills and techniques, including differentiating self-harm and suicidal behaviors, use of Reasons for Living cards, integration of crisis response plans (including survival kits), the importance of commitment to treatment statements in clinical care, and a simple model for assessing suicide risk. Dr. Rudd will describe clinical cases and conduct targeted role plays. He will also describe the unique ethical dilemmas that emerge in the management of suicidal patients along with the appropriate guidelines for clinical record keeping (in all clinical contexts).