Health Care Providers

This quick guide helps clinicians and other service providers address suicide and suicide prevention in patients living with substance use disorders. It covers risk factors and warning signs for suicide, core competencies, and information for administrators and clinical supervisors.

This free course is designed to help mental health professionals counsel people at risk for suicide—and their families—on reducing access to lethal means. It features a variety of real-world case studies, as well as a mobile-friendly design.

(From American Family Physician): “Suicidal ideation is more common than completed suicide. Most persons who commit suicide have a psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Because many patients with psychiatric disorders are seen by family physicians and other primary care practitioners rather than by psychiatrists, it is important that these practitioners recognize the signs and symptoms of the psychiatric disorders (particularly alcohol abuse and major depression) that are associated with suicide. Although most patients with suicidal ideation do not ultimately commit suicide, the extent of suicidal ideation must be determined, including the presence of a suicide plan and the patient’s means to commit suicide.”

American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Leading national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by these disorders. Established in 1953 as a membership based organization, composed of over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists and other interested physicians. Members actively research, evaluate, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders and pride themselves on giving direction to and responding quickly to new developments in addressing the health care needs of children and their families.

American Association of Suicidology: Membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education, and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: At the forefront of a wide range of suicide prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide; investing in groundbreaking research, new educational campaigns, innovative demonstration programs and critical policy work; expanding assistance to people whose lives have been affected by suicide, reaching out to offer support and offering opportunities to become involved in prevention.  Be sure to check out their programs for professionals.

American Psychiatric Association: Medical specialty society recognized world-wide; over 38,000 U.S. and international member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorder, including mental retardation and substance-related disorders. Vision is a society that has available, accessible quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

American Psychological Association: Largest association of psychologists worldwide with 148,000 members; scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States; mission to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Promotes health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Section on suicide and suicide prevention.

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the leading national organization for licensed clinical mental health counselors. AMHCA strives to be the go-to organization for licensed clinical mental health counselors for advocacy, education, leadership, and collaboration.

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the leading national organization for licensed clinical mental health counselors. AMHCA strives to be the go-to organization for licensed clinical mental health counselors for advocacy, education, leadership, and collaboration.

A psychotherapy based on modifying everyday thoughts and behaviors. In CBT, the therapist and client work together to determine the goals for therapy, and how long to continue therapy.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.

The NACBT is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to supporting, promoting, teaching, and developing cognitive-behavioral therapy and those who practice it.

The professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy representing the professional interests of more than 23,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.