Whether a person at risk of suicide lives or dies can hinge on how easily they can reach lethal means such as firearms or medication. This webinar covers ways to lower access to the methods people use to take their own lives. You will find out who should receive lethal means counseling and how to work with at-risk clients and their families to restrict access. It also covers what clients and families should know, the firearms laws that apply in mental health counseling, and steps clinicians can take to make suicidal clients with access to lethal means safer.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain at least two reasons why reducing access to lethal means can prevent suicide.
- Identify clients for whom lethal means counseling is appropriate.
- Describe counseling strategies for raising the topic of lethal means and increase confidence and skill in applying these strategies with clients.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Explain at least two reasons why reducing access to lethal means can prevent suicide.
- Group exercise – what is the correct answer?
- What is means restriction?
- Important considerations
- Two bridges case examples
- Lethal means restriction progression chart
Objective #2: Identify clients for whom lethal means counseling is appropriate.
- Daniel case study
- Ramon: How would you respond?
Objective #3: Describe counseling strategies for raising the topic of lethal means and increase confidence and skill in applying these strategies with clients.
- Process of lethal means counseling
- Open the door to conversation
- Communication examples
- Key questions to ask about lethal means
- Firearms safety
- Reducing overdose risk
- DBT skills for lethal means safety
- Video demonstration: Antonio
- LMC resources
- Q&A, resources
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: May 29, 2025
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