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

Abstract

Suicide is a global public health concern. Training for mental health professionals (MHPs) is a common approach to ensuring sound clinical care for persons experiencing suicidality. This article proffers an updated set of suicide prevention core competencies for MHPs through a literature-driven process. First, we outline a stepwise model of suicide prevention training ranging from gatekeeper approaches to advanced suicide-specific assessment and intervention skills. We then review recent paradigm shifts in the suicide prevention literature: (a) emergence of ideation-to-action and fluidity theories; (b) shift to therapeutic prevention-focused risk assessment; (c) increased attention to cultural factors in suicide; and (d) advances in suicide-specific intervention. These trends in the suicide literature serve as a rationale to update the Core Competency Model (CCM) of Suicide Prevention, a training program intentionally designed to improve beginner-to-intermediate providerfocused (e.g., managing one's own suicide attitudes) and clinical (e.g., clinical documentation) skills. We outline changes to competency wording and training, providing a sample CCM training curriculum. The Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF), a self-and observer-rated measure of skill acquisition, is revised to reflect the updated competencies. Finally, we provide recommendations for (a) future psychometric assessment of the revised SCAF (SCAF-R); (b) suicide prevention training, implementation, and evaluation; and (c) ways to extend suicide prevention core competencies beyond MHPs. Public Health Significance StatementSuicide prevention skills can be addressed for lay and clinical professionals through a tiered approach to training. The updated Core Competency Model of Suicide Prevention Training provides a roadmap to enhance beginner-to-intermediate clinical skills for mental health professionals. The Suicide Competency Assessment Form-Revised is a tool that can be used by clinicians and researchers in areas such as training evaluation, attitude self-assessment, and clinical supervision.