THIS TRAINING IS FOR YOU IF:
You are a mental health provider looking to learn how to effectively assess client safety when they present with suicidal thoughts.
You are are new to the mental health field or want a refresher on how to best assess client safety.
You want to gain PRACTICAL SKILLS for assessing client safety.
You are feeling uncertain and want to feel more confident in using these skills.
You want to learn in community.
You want a safe place to learn and ask your questions.
WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH:
Understanding of how to differentiate between warning signs and risk factors of suicidality.
Practical skills for managing your own anxiety and overwhelm when engaging with clients when they are feeling suicidal.
How to effectively and efficiently use evidence-based assessment tools during your assessment.
Learn the GOLD STANDARD for assessing client safety.
How create an effective safety plan.
How to engage with friends/family/loved ones of the client when they are feeling suicidal.
What to do NEXT and how best to follow-up with your client during the next sessions.
INSTRUCTOR: HEATHER AYERS-CLUFF, LCSW, PPSC
I have extensive experience in assessing needs, risks and developing protocols for high-risk situations. I have managed behavioral health services in school-based health centers in various middle schools and conducts risk and safety assessment trainings for school staff and medical providers throughout various organizations. Additionally, I worked at UCLA Health as a Clinical Advisor in out-patient mental health where I conducted trainings for over 140 primary care physicians on how to effectively screen patients for suicide within the primary care setting. I have created and implemented a triage protocol to support individuals, adolescents, and families in connecting with the appropriate level of care. Prior to that, I worked at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Emergency Department where I evaluated teens and young adults who presented with mental health crises. My extensive experience with individuals in high-risk situations that involve suicidal and homicidal ideation allow me to share and support other practitioners in developing best practice protocols for their clients.