Thursday, January 13, 2011

Suicide Prevention Training for Mental Health Clinicians

Most mental health clinicians have had little or no formal training in assessing suicide risk, yet they are often called upon to do so. Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians (RRSR) has been developed by the American Association of Suicidology specifically to fill this training gap. RRSR is an advanced, interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and manage suicide risk in their patients. The program has several components, including a web-based assessment; two on-line, self-paced modules; a two-day face-to-face workshop; and post-workshop mentorship through on-line learning activities.

RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinicians working with patients on an ongoing basis. Participants can include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addiction counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.

Additional information about RRSR is available at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/rrsr

The Virginia Department of Health will host 4 RRSR trainings in 2011. This training is for all mental health professionals, regardless of your place of work. Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) each training will be offered at no cost to 40 participants; the training is typically valued at $250. All training materials will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits are available for physicians/psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and psychologist. Additional information about CEUs will be provided to registered participants prior to the training date.

The training will be from 8:30-4:45 both days. One hour will be given for lunch; meals will be "on your own".

Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days, and are not 'on-call' for other duties during that time.
2010 Training Dates, Locations, and Registration:

February 28- March 1, 2011
Richmond, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRRichmond
April 12-13, 2011
Ashburn, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRNOVA
May 2-3, 2011
Virginia Beach, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRVABeach

September 19-20, 2011
Lynchburg, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRLynchburg

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