Three (3) Home Study Continuing Education Credits (70% score or higher required)

A 2020 survey found that 29% of PPA members had a patient attempt suicide while in treatment and 6% had a patient die from suicide in the last year. The presenter believes that recent research has identified strategies that can decrease these rates considerably. For example, conscientious psychologists want to implement effective interventions with their suicidal patients, yet almost one one-third of patients will falsely deny having suicidal thoughts to their psychotherapists (Blanchard & Farber, 2016). This workshop includes strategies to facilitate patient disclosures of their suicidal risks. Also, recent research shows that effective safety plans and lethal means counseling can reduce suicide attempts by patients anywhere from 43% to 75% (Boggs et al., 2020; Nuij et al., 2021). This workshop describes how to effectively develop these safety plans and conduct lethal means counseling. Finally, it will describe other ways to improve outcomes by integrating patient empowerment throughout the intervention and by adopting a mindful approach to practice including emotional self-awareness and self-care.

CREDITS OFFERED: 3 Continuing Education Credit for psychologists and educators. 

Program Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. List steps that will empower suicidal patients;
2. Monitor and manage their emotional reactions when treating suicidal patients;
3. Identify patients with suicidal risks;
4. Create effective safety plans; and
5. Adopt strategies likely to maximize successful lethal means counseling.

CREDITS OFFERED: 3 Continuing Education Credits for psychologists and educators. 

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.