Conceptualization and Pilot Testing of a Core Competency‐Based Training Workshop in Suicide Risk Assessment and Management: Notes From the Field

• Published in: Journal of clinical psychology Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 233 - 238
• Main Authors: Cramer, Robert J., Bryson, Claire N., Eichorst, Morgam K., Keyes, Lee N., Ridge, Brittany E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Periodicals Inc 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Adult; attitudes; Clinical Competence; Clinical psychology; competencies; Competency-Based Education - methods; Continuing education; Core competencies; Education - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Risk assessment; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Management - methods; Suicide - prevention & control; suicide risk assessment; suicide risk management; Suicides & suicide attempts; training; Young Adult; competencies; training; suicide risk assessment; attitudes; suicide risk management
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22329

Objectives As professional psychology training programs and continuing education have moved toward competency based approaches, it has become equally important to develop uniform, evidence‐based approaches for suicide risk assessment and management. The present article presents a workshop curriculum based on established core competencies in suicide risk assessment and management. Method Drawing on theories suicide risk formation, the workshop features an integration of didactic, process, and experiential components. We present pilot data from 2 small group workshops (n = 17): 1 from a clinical psychology doctoral program and 1 from a university counseling center. Results Workshop participation yielded increases in (a) the ability to recognize appropriate clinician responses to suicidal client statements, (b) self‐perceptions of general capacity to interface with suicidal patients and mastery of the 10 core competencies, (c) factual knowledge concerning suicide risk assessment and management, and (d) the self‐rated ability to assess and manage a suicidal patient. Conclusion We discuss statistical and generalizability limitations as well as implications for future modification, implementation, and provision of this training method.