Mental health professionals prepare to assess and respond to suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents. You will learn to conduct developmentally appropriate risk assessments, recognize warning signs and weigh factors such as peer influence, family dynamics, identity development and access to means. Cultural humility and responsiveness to youth from varied backgrounds and experiences run through the course. Clinicians meet evidence-based interventions, including safety planning, therapeutic engagement and work with families and schools, along with resources and referral options for coordinated, thorough care.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Conduct developmentally appropriate suicide risk assessments for youth, incorporating clinical tools, observational data, and collateral information from caregivers and support systems.
- Identify and address unique developmental, cultural, and contextual factors that influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents.
- Implement evidence-based clinical interventions and safety planning strategies to support at-risk youth and engage families and community resources in ongoing care and prevention efforts.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Conduct developmentally appropriate suicide risk assessments for youth, incorporating clinical tools, observational data, and collateral information from caregivers and support systems.
- Important statistics
- The CBT model of suicide
- Assessing suicide in youth
- Warning signs: what to look for
- Video: “Understanding Teen Suicidal Thoughts”
- Recommended assessment measures
- Sample questions to ask youth
Objective #2: Identify and address unique developmental, cultural, and contextual factors that influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents.
- Case study in diversity: Kai
- Recommendations in Kai case
Objective #3: Implement evidence-based clinical interventions and safety planning strategies to support at-risk youth and engage families and community resources in ongoing care and prevention efforts.
- Common elements of effective treatment
- DBT: case of Alyssa
- Chain analysis
- 13 reasons why, 13 reasons why not
- 20 questions
- Urge surfing
- Additional therapeutic tools for youth
- Collaborating w/parents fill in the blank exercise
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: July 23, 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 2hrs 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