Therapists frequently encounter clients who exhibit risky or suicidal behaviors. These situations can provoke significant professional fear, ethical uncertainty, and personal anxiety. Research shows that these fears often stem from concerns about client harm, legal liability, and professional competence, potentially compromising therapeutic effectiveness and clinician wellbeing.

This training offers an overview of suicide risk management through both a clinical and emotional lens, equipping therapists to navigate these challenges with confidence and competence. Participants will learn to differentiate between suicidal behavior, parasuicidal gestures, and non-suicidal self-injury, while exploring the emotional toll such cases can have on clinicians. Evidence-based tools such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) will be introduced, alongside best practices for supervision, peer consultation, and structured decision-making in high-risk scenarios. 

By combining current research, practical tools, and reflective discussion, this training aims to strengthen therapists’ confidence, enhance risk assessment accuracy, and promote clinician self-care, fostering both ethical and effective treatment for clients at risk. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers in Los Angeles County. Anytime session recorded on December 22 & 23, 2025.