Graduate Training and the Treatment of Suicidal Clients: The Students' Perspective

Abstract

Existing literature suggests that graduate programs may not provide adequate training in working with suicidal clients. Therefore, we surveyed 238 predoctoral psychology interns and assessed the prevalence of clients engaging in suicidal behaviors and the amount of formal training in managing suicidal clients received. Results showed approximately 5% of participants indicated a client suicide and 99% indicated they had treated at least one suicidal client during their graduate training. In contrast, results demonstrated only 50% of the participants reported attending programs where formal training was offered. These findings suggest a continued need for increased formal training in managing suicidal clients in graduate psychology programs.

Indo-Canadian Collaboration for Suicide Prevention: Training Needs Assessment for Healthcare Professionals in India

“…Furthermore, residency training directors from various medical schools have also acknowledged inadequacies in their training programs (Sudak et al 2007). Our study supports the educational gaps reported by Dexter-Mazza and Freeman (2003); Ellis et al (1998);Schmitz et al (2012);Sudak et al (2007). To some extent, only the field of psychiatry seems to be attempting to ensure that their trainees are equipped with the skills required for assessing and managing suicidal patients (Schmitz et al 2012).…”

“…This is a systematic problem in healthcare education and training. For example, Dexter-Mazza and Freeman (2003) found that only half of the psychology interns received formal training in assessing and managing suicidal patients whereas only 25 % of social workers and 6 % of counselors have training in suicide assessment (Schmitz et al 2012). Additionally, a survey of program directors reported that most of the training occurred in passive formats and only one quarter of the programs offer suicide prevention training via skill development workshops (Ellis et al1998).…”

Using Service-Learning to Integrate Death Education Into Counselor Preparation

“…Accreditation demands often overshadow programs' ability to cover critical content such as death and dying issues. Research suggests limited death and dying content in counseling (Offer, Granello, & Wheaton, 2012), clinical psychology (Dexter-Mazza & Freeman, 2003), and school psychology (Seadler, 2000).…”

“…Although narrow examinations have been conducted in fields such as counseling (Offer et al, 2012) and clinical psychology (Dexter-Mazza & Freeman, 2003; only related to suicide), a comprehensive and simultaneous assessment of offerings across many service provision disciplines (e.g., social work, rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology) is warranted. In addition, such research needs to be conducted using an international lens, as has been done on a limited basis within nursing and medicine (e.g., Downe-Wamboldt & Tamlyn, 1997).…”

The Use of Core Competencies in Suicide Risk Assessment and Management in Supervision: A Feminist-Narrative Approach

“…In one study of over 200 pre-doctoral psychology interns, findings indicate that only 50% of the sample reported being formally trained in managing such situations through their academic training programs (Dexter-Mazza & Freeman, 2003). This is a concerning estimate for clinical supervisors, considering that supervisees practice under a clinical supervisor's license, leaving a tremendous burden of responsibility on supervisors' shoulders.…”