Suicide Prevention Working as a BHT in the US Military

11 December 2024

A Live, Interactive Webinar

Description:

This intensive one-day module provides training in the assessment and management of suicide ideation and behavior. The module is designed for Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) working with service members who are seeking training in empirically supported treatment options they can immediately incorporate into their clinical practice. The theoretical underpinnings of suicide ideation and behavior are presented.

Participants will be introduced to the Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS), a nomenclature supported by the DoD/VA for self-directed violence and suicidal behavior. Population-based risk and protective factors will be reviewed. Next, basic elements of suicide risk screening and assessment will be introduced. Participants will learn a number of crisis intervention strategies for working with suicidal patients. Participants will receive in-depth training in the assessment and management of suicidal patients and will have the opportunity to practice skills.. Video demonstrations and participant role-plays will be used in class to practice key assessment and intervention techniques. The training will provide hands-on practice activities and is geared toward an actively involved audience through discussion and workshop activities. Participants are expected to actively engage in workshop activities and attend the full day of training.

Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish suicidal and non-suicidal thoughts and behaviors using the Self-Directed Violence Classification System
2. Apply the 3-step theory of suicide to the process of clinical conceptualization and treatment planning.
3. Integrate Fluid Vulnerability Theory and the Risk Stratification Tool into the process for developing a suicide risk determination.
4. Design a safety plan in collaboration with a patient.
5. Use means safety counseling in patient interactions to improve clinical outcomes.
6. Propose strategies for mitigating the heightened risk for suicide during life transitions (i.e., inpatient to outpatient care, military to veteran status).

Target Audience: Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) working with Service members

Instructional Content Level: Intermediate

Agenda:

Day One

Course Completion Requirements: Participants are required to attend the entire training. Partial credits cannot be issued. Attendance is taken through the use of electronic logs, and a post-training evaluation form must be completed.

Participate:

Online Platform: Zoom

Date: 11 December 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Registration Information: https://deploymentpsych.org/training

Registration Deadline: Registration will close one week prior to the start date or when training capacity is met.

Cancellations/Questions: Please contact brandon.carpenter.ctr@usuhs.edu if you have any questions or need to cancel your registration.