The Essentials of Ensuring the Safety of Suicidal Patients 2024

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the most frequent crisis encountered by mental health professionals. The goal of this home study is to help psychologists learn how to ensure patient safety through safety-planning type interventions, means counseling, and effective ways to monitor patient safety and progress. In addition, this home study offers a methodology for making decisions when respect for patient decision-making appears to conflict with patient safety.

Program Learning Objectives. At the end of the program, participants will be able to describe basic information about

1. Explain the proper role of psychotherapists when treating suicidal patients
2. List ways to integrate respect for patient decision-making into safety protocols
3. Describe the essential features of safety-planning type interventions
4. Describe the essential features of means safety counseling
5. Describe how to monitor patient safety and patient progress

CREDITS OFFERED: 2 Continuing Education Credits for psychologists and educators. (75% score or higher required)

The Pennsylvania Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.  PPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  The Pennsylvania Psychological Association is an approved provider for Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Requirements as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.