Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and worldwide. Nearly 50% of individuals who end life by suicide see a primary care provider within a month of death, yet suicide risk assessment and treatment is consistently difficult in practice. With the majority of mental health services in the US being delivered by social workers, it is imperative that knowledge and skills are in place for our work with clients with the ultimate goal being to prevent premature suicidal death. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention is a valuable evidence-based intervention and effective approach to use in practice for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and/or whom have made an attempt.

This workshop will discuss suicide as public health issue in the US, suicide risk assessment, a brief overview of CBT theory and basics, and a central focus on intervention using CBT for suicide prevention.