A Pilot Test of a Graduate Course in Suicide Theory, Risk Assessment, and Management

Abstract

The present discussion outlines the design and initial implementation of a semester-long graduate course in suicide theory, risk assessment, and management. While the structure of the course is adaptable in light of various considerations (e.g., targeted group of students and availability of resources), we review suicide risk assessment core competencies and course structure and provide sample evidence-based applied and interactive assignments. An initial empirical test of the course yielded a number of encouraging findings, including increased factual knowledge concerning suicide risk assessment and management, and improved objectively assessed student accuracy in estimating chronic and acute suicide risk in response to a mock case vignette. We offer suggested next steps for modification and testing of the course in undergraduate and graduate training contexts.

Short‐ and Long‐Term Impact of an Undergraduate Suicidology Course

“…The current findings are consistent with the few existing studies demonstrating that providing comprehensive, semester‐long courses on suicide prevention produces positive outcomes (Almeida et al., ; Cramer et al., ; Scott, ) and has potential to enhance the quality of current suicide prevention and intervention activities. Providing evidence that such education produces positive results may also help sway state and federal governments as they consider legislation requiring suicide prevention continuing education for health professionals to maintain their licenses.…”

“…Semester‐long educational courses on suicide prevention and intervention at the graduate level are rare but emerging, and they show encouraging outcomes for strengthening the knowledge and skill base of mental health providers (e.g., Scott, ). For example, Cramer, Bryson, Stroud, and Ridge () describe a semester‐long graduate course designed to teach core competencies for working with suicidal clients that was provided to five graduate students in clinical psychology. Using both objective and subjective assessments of knowledge and skill, Cramer et al.…”

Psychologists’ Willingness to Provide Services to Individuals at Risk of Suicide

“…Postsecondary educational institutions should adopt suicide‐specific training guidelines that identify core competencies to be mastered through didactic instruction, role‐play, and fieldwork experiences (e.g., see Cramer et al., ). Cramer, Bryson, Stroud, and Ridge () reported promising gains in students’ self‐perceived knowledge and ability to interact with suicidal individuals after participation in a semester‐long graduate course devoted exclusively to suicide theory, risk assessment, and management. Psychologists currently practicing in the field who desire to improve the level of care they provide to individuals at risk of suicide can hone their clinical skills by participating in advanced training opportunities, such as Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk or Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians.…”

Initial Validation of the Suicide Competency Assessment Form among Behavioral Health Staff in the National Health Services Trust

“…Four studies to date have used the SCAF as an outcome for training effectiveness based on coverage of the 10 core competencies. Studies featured (1) in-person workshop for community mental health and counseling center professionals, and psychology postgraduate trainees La Guardia et al, in press); (2) in-person semester-long postgraduate course for clinical psychology students (Cramer et al, 2016); (3) online semester-long course for an interprofessional group of health professions students (Cramer & Long, in press). The latter study adapted the SCAF to include public health content and skill mastery.…”

“…Correlational and between-groups analyses with the SCAF are largely lacking to date. However, the total and global scores have demonstrated meaningfully sized positive changes in response to the range of training formats (Cramer et al, 2016Cramer & Long, in press;La Guardia et al, in press).…”