Suicide Risk in Adults: Assessment and Intervention, 2nd Edition

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About the Course
The purpose of this course is to assist clinicians in understanding factors that contribute to suicidal behavior, conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessments, and engaging patients in brief, empirically-supported interventions to reduce risk of death. This course meets an increasing demand of many mental health professionals seeking information about working with suicidal clients and conducting empirically-supported suicide risk assessments. This intermediate-level course is designed for social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, educators, community-based program administrators, providers, and psychologists. The course will cover major risk factors, demographics and warning signs for suicidal behavior, as well as provide guidance on clinical risk assessment and options for intervention. Although the information presented here is useful to many mental health providers, no continuing education course can provide all the information that may be required in working with each individual who comes for help. It is therefore important that mental health providers consult knowledgeable colleagues, review the most recent articles and books on the topic of suicide, read and understand the risk-management practices of their agency, and maintain awareness of applicable local and state laws concerning the management and referral of suicidal persons. References and resources for those interested in pursuing further education on this topic are provided at the end of the course. 

Learning Objectives
  • Define terms related to suicide and suicidal behavior.
  • Identify specific risk factors and warning signs in adult patients that increase their risk for suicidal behavior.
  • Describe effective and efficient assessment of adults who may be at risk for suicide.
  • Explain approaches to intervention and safety planning to manage individuals exhibiting suicidal ideation and other risk factors for suicide.
  • Recognize essential components of decision making and documentation with respect to suicide assessment and intervention.
About the Author
Edward A. Selby, PhD is an associate professor and the director of clinical training in the clinical psychology PhD program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Selby’s extensive research and clinical experience has sought to improve our understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior, personality disorders, and eating disorders. He has written 108 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters, and he was named a “Rising Star” by the Association for Psychological Science in 2015. Much of his work is aimed at understanding the emotional experiences related to suicidal behavior and self injury, as well as the factors among different psychiatric disorders that increase risk for suicidal behavior, including eating disorders and personality disorders. Dr. Selby’s research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, Janssen Pharmaceutica, and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Dr. Selby is a licensed practitioner and has been trained extensively in major treatments for suicidal behavior and crisis intervention, including cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. More information about Dr. Selby’s research program can be found on the Emotion and Psychopathology Laboratory at Rutgers website: www.edwardaselby.com. 

How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.