Social Work Practice in Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

3 units

This course will provide the critical knowledge and skills relevant to understanding, engaging, assessing, intervening, and developing programs with individuals and communities at risk for suicidal behavior. The course begins by laying the theoretical groundwork by reviewing and synthesizing leading theories in suicidal behavior, ultimately landing on a behavioral definition of suicidal behavior. Additionally, identification of at-risk populations and exploration of how risk and protective factors transact to generate risk profiles will set the stage for comprehensive suicide risk assessment and management procedures, including best-practice guidelines and documentation of risk and safety planning. Guidelines for working with clients who present with suicidal ideation, including frequent and chronic suicidality will be explored. Finally, a review of evidence-based prevention and postvention programs will provide students with a strong understanding of the spectrum of suicidal behaviors and broad-based interventions available.