Suicide Prevention, Intervention
and Postvention

Course Description:

Why do people kill themselves? How do I ask someone if they are feeling suicidal? What do I do if they say they ARE suicidal? How do I deal with the strong emotions suicide generates? This course will provide answers for these and other questions many of crisis interventionists have about suicide. It will provide participants with basic information about suicide as well as help participants develop practical skills for prevention, intervention and postvention. Small group role plays will allow participants to apply the suggested techniques as they are learned.

This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about intervening across the suicide spectrum. Professionals from the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress may all benefit.

Course Highlights:

  • Common myths about suicide
  • Risk factors for suicidal behavior
  • Frequent motivations for suicide
  • Problem solving methods
  • Effective intervention strategies
  • Elements of effective postvention
  • Elements of survivor grief
  • Community referral sources
  • “Mini-lecture” on suicide
  • Feelings and reactions of suicide survivors

Continuing Education Information:

Two-Day Course

General Contact Hours:

14 Contact Hours: 1.4 General CEUs from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Dept. of Emergency Health Services Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

*Based on a formula of 1 Continuing Education Unit for every 10 contact/classroom hours.