The Art and Science of Suicide Risk Assessment: How to Ask the Right Questions
- Speaker:
- Paul Brasler, LCSW, CAIMHP
- Duration:
- 1 Hour 35 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Feb 12, 2024
- Product Code:
- POS059729
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
A client’s suicide may be one of the greatest fear of clinicians, and it’s hard to provide quality therapeutic interventions while feeling scared. Confidence doesn’t simply come from experience but from knowing the right questions and – more importantly – how to listen to what clients are saying and respond most effectively. In this session, Paul Brasler, LCSW, CAIP will guide you through practical strategies for conducting a useful suicide risk assessment so that you can foster hope and connection.
Credit
Handouts/Brochure
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - The Art and Science of Suicide Risk Assessment (19.2 MB) | 44 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - The Art and Science of Suicide Risk Assessment (403.6 KB) | 26 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Paul Brasler, LCSW, CAIMHP Related seminars and products
Paul Brasler, LCSW, CAIMHP, became a licensed clinical social worker in 2002. Paul is the coordinator for the Chesterfield County (Virginia) Employee Behavioral Health Program, through which he and his team provide clinical services to first responders and human services personnel. He has extensive experience working with people in crisis and people living with substance use disorders, including adolescent residential treatment, community mental health settings, hospital emergency departments, juvenile drug court, and private practice.
Paul has been a national presenter (through PESI) since 2016, and he has presented classes across the country on mental health emergencies, high-risk clients, resiliency, and a certification course for clinicians working with people with substance use disorders. He has written three books: The Clinician’s Guide to Suicide Management, PESI Publishing, 2025; The Clinician’s Guide to Substance Use Disorder, PESI Publishing, 2022; and High-Risk Clients, PESI Publishing, 2019. Paul lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his beautiful wife, three sons, cowardly dog, and two dwarf rabbits who are quietly plotting to destroy the world.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Paul Brasler maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Chesterfield County. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Paul Brasler has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Additional Info
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Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)
Access never expires for this product.
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.
Objectives
- Identify at least three risk and protective factors.
- Give examples of a comprehensive suicide risk assessment.
- Describe an effective and actionable safety plan.
Outline
Suicide: What Mental Health Professionals Need to Know
- Key risk and protective factors
- Differences between suicidal ideation, intent, plans, means
Assessment: What and How to Ask
- Strategies for asking direct questions, even when it is uncomfortable
- How to identify implicit suicidal intent
- Tools to engage withdrawn or resistant clients
- Trauma-informed principles to incorporate into suicide assessment
- Suicide screening tools
- Building an effective suicide assessment
Treatment Planning and Decision-Making
- Considerations for hospitalization
- Why “no harm” contracts are dangerous
- Constructing and implementing a safety plan
- Immediate psychosocial interventions
- When and how to involve family, friends, and community resources
- Limitations of the research and potential risks
Target Audience
- Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Social Workers
- Physicians
- Psychologists
Reviews
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