Suicide Prevention for Clients with Addictions

Course overview

This course was designed to provide continuing education hours to Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors in the state of Florida. This is a course based on the Treatment Improving Protocol (TIP) Series 50. Students will learn about suicide prevention for clients with addictions. Compared to the general population, individuals treated for alcohol abuse or dependence are at about 10 times greater risk to eventually die by suicide. Students will learn to recognize suicide ideation and apply proven treatment modalities. For example, the SAMSHA GATE four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The acronym GATE stands for Gather information, Access supervision, Take responsible action, and Extend the action.