CBT approaches offer effective support and intervention for suicidal clients. Participants will learn the core tenets of the CBT model as it applies specifically to suicidal thinking and behavior, including how cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral avoidance contribute to acute risk. Through lecture, case examples, and guided practice, the course demonstrates how clinicians can use CBT’s structured, collaborative, and transparent framework to better understand the drivers of suicidality and create targeted, individualized treatment plans.
The course also explores the concept of the “suicide mode,” helping therapists recognize the cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral patterns that become activated during moments of heightened risk. Participants will be introduced to at least five CBT-oriented intervention methods—including cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, problem-solving training, safety planning, and distress-management skills—that directly support clients in reducing suicidal urges and increasing coping capacity.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify at least four core tenets of the CBT model and conceptualization of suicide.
- Describe key cognitive and behavioral factors that emerge during activation of the suicide mode.
- Explain at least five CBT oriented methods of providing suicide intervention to clients.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Understanding Suicide Risk
- Risk Factors and Warning Signs
- Cognitive Patterns Linked to Suicidality
- Common Misconceptions
Objective #2: Cognitive Behavioral Framework
- Core CBT Principles
- Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
- Cognitive Distortions and Hopelessness
Objective #3: Assessment and Safety Planning
- Conducting Risk Assessments
- Developing Safety Plans
- Reducing Immediate Risk
Objective #4: Clinical Intervention Strategies
- Cognitive Restructuring
- Behavioral Activation
- Building Coping Skills
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: March 6, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com