Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders

The ability to recognize and effectively intervene with suicidal individuals is one of the most challenging aspects of crisis intervention. This course is recommended for those without   formal mental health training. The course is designed to increase awareness of suicide, and equip participants with information and basic skills to respond to a person considering suicide.  Discussions, demonstrations, and scenarios will be used to facilitate learning. This is an introductory level course.

Program Highlights:

  • Overview of Suicide
  • Crisis intervention and Suicide Prevention
  • Preventative and Protective Factors
  • Risk and Recognition
  • Strategies for Responding to Those Considering Suicide
  • Referral Skills and Resources

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

 

Prerequisites for participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
  • Group Crisis Intervention
  • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support

(ICISF will verify your instructor status.  There is no need to provide documentation)

•     A minimum of three years critical incident/traumatic stress experience

•     Current ICISF membership

  • Completion of at least ONE of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor:
  • Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders
  • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

(Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application)

  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team
  • Letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency/ institution dated within three months of application due date
  • Letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted
  • Copy of a current CV or resume
  • Brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/traumatic stress experience (a minimum of three years are required)
    • Your instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training
    • Reasons that you feel you would be a good instructor for this course
    • Experience with suicidal individuals, intervention, and treatment