Should suicide prevention training be required for mental health practitioners? A Colorado, United States case study

Abstract

Suicide is a critical public health problem, resulting in more than 40,000 deaths a year in the United States (U.S.) and 800,000 globally. Provision of mental health services is a key component of a comprehensive population-based approach to prevention. State licensing boards in some U.S. states require mental health practitioners to be trained in suicide risk assessment and management, but such requirements are not uniform. Our case study examined mental health practitioner preparedness to engage in suicide prevention and intervention in Colorado, a state with a high suicide rate, using a survey designed to understand training experiences and perceptions of the acceptability of mandated training. Our findings support efforts to require mental health practitioners be trained to prevent suicide.

Updated suicide prevention core competencies for mental health professionals: Implications for training, research, and practice.

“…Continuing education (CE) credits are another method in which mandatory suicide prevention training has been required at the state level. Schwab-Reese et al (2018) showed that various MHP disciplines used this approach; as of early 2017, most licensing boards in professional counseling, psychology, and social work require CEs for annual licensed renewal. However, CE requirements are not consistent among mental health specialties, with very few requiring suicide prevention as a specific topic.…”

Ethical and practical considerations for mandating suicide prevention training for mental health professionals.

“…(1) manage attitudes and reactions to STBs including personal bias, (2) maintain a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationship, (3) determine evidence-based risk and protective factors, (4) prioritize imminent suicidal behaviors, (5) assess risk level, ( 6) collaborate with clients on evidence-based treatment, (7) include social support in treatment plan, (8) document treatment decisions, (9) know legal and ethical considerations, and (10) engage in debriefing and self-care (Cramer et al, 2013). The CCM can be applied in an online format (Cramer et al, 2019), a semester-long course (Cramer et al, 2016), and through in-person workshops Hager et al, 2023;La Guardia et al, 2019).…”

“…Most of the 11 states that require training in suicide prevention implemented the requirement through state licensing boards requiring MHPs to complete suicide-specific CE for licensure (AFSP, 2023; Schwab-Reese et al, 2018). With the Matt Adler Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management Act of 2012, Washington became the first state to enact legislation to require suicide prevention training (i.e., 6 hr every 6 years) for MHPs (Stuber & Quinnett, 2013).…”