Speakers Bureau - Addressing Suicide with Military-Connected Patients


Brief Description:

This training module begins with a discussion of the rates of suicide in the civilian and military population. Next, stigma is discussed with an emphasis on the impact of stigma on help-seeking behaviors in the military.  Participants are introduced to the Self-Directed Violence Classification System, a nomenclature for self-directed violence.  The VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide are reviewed, highlighting best practices for assessment and treatment of suicide ideation and behavior.  This is followed by a review of suicide risk assessment including discussion of risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors related to suicide, laying the foundation for discussion of the Fluid Vulnerability Theory of risk assessment.  Initial management of suicidal patients is presented including in-depth discussion of safety planning for suicide.  The presentation ends with an overview of evidence-based treatments and suggested resources for additional training.

Note: This presentation can be presented face-to-face or as a webinar.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Assess the prevalence of suicide in the civilian and military population.
  2. Characterize components of risk assessment for suicide with a focus on military specific risk and protective factors.
  3. Apply the steps used in developing a safety plan for suicide.