Training Menu

AMSR (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk)

AMSR training offers the latest research-informed suicide risk assessment and risk formulation to be used in a variety of care settings. Unlike other frameworks, the AMSR risk formulation is developed for each individual, taking into consideration their current circumstances. AMSR Training provides a structure for the clinical provider that can be used in the development of a collaborative treatment and safety plan. The training also provides a language for the clinician to use with non-clinical staff who are also involved in the care that the individual is receiving.

Suicide Risk Assessment 

This two-part training is intended for licensed mental health professionals, or professionals with equivalent qualifications, who are looking to improve their suicide risk identification skills via suicide risk screening* (part one) and suicide risk assessment (part two).

In the first part of this course, participants will learn how to utilize the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screening tool to detect the presence of suicide risk and make recommendations for the next steps in care.

The second part focuses on learning how to conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment utilizing the C-SSRS full scale with SAMHSA’s Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) protocol.

*Please note that you do not have to be a licensed mental health professional to conduct a suicide risk screening. For those who are looking for training on suicide risk screening only, you can find it listed above.*

CALM for Providers

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

This is a two-day workshop for learning suicide intervention skills. The focus is on learning to identify suicide risks and developing a plan with the person at risk to stay safe for now. Participants are taught to identify possible warning signs for suicide including changes in behavior such as isolation, withdrawal, discussing suicide, increase in substance use, aggressiveness, and feelings of hopelessness or pain. Participants are then taught to identify a plan that will keep the person safe which often includes helping the person seek longer-term support or treatment.

Suicide Screening

In a Zero Suicide framework, healthcare and behavioral healthcare settings have a responsibility to screen all clients/patients for suicide risk, regardless of their presenting issue. Utilization of a validated screening tool is essential for good suicide prevention in these settings. In this course, participants will learn how to utilize the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to detect the presence of suicide risk and inform next steps for safety. Anyone who works in a healthcare or behavioral healthcare setting and regularly interacts with clients/patients who may be at risk of suicide can take this training. You do not have to be a licensed mental health professional to utilize the C-SSRS screening tool.

Suicide Safety Planning Intervention

In a Zero Suicide framework, healthcare and behavioral healthcare settings have a responsibility to connect all patients/clients who are identified as at risk of suicide to collaborative care and support. Engaging in collaborative safety planning is an essential next step after suicide risk is identified. In this course, participants will learn how to facilitate the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention. This intervention is evidence-informed and is considered best practice in all health and behavioral healthcare settings. This training is for anyone who interacts directly with clients/patients who may be at risk of suicide. There are no required qualifications to utilize this intervention.

Introduction to the Zero Suicide Framework

Zero Suicide is a framework for healthcare and mental healthcare settings to implement safer suicide care practices at a systemic level. This framework aims to eliminate deaths by suicide. Participants will learn about each of the 7 elements of Zero Suicide and the tools that are available to assist with implementation.

Sign up for this training if you want a better understanding of what it would take to implement Zero Suicide in your organization and what supports are available to you throughout your implementation process. This training is also intended for organizations who are already implementing Zero Suicide but need a refresh or want to get new staff on board.”

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)

Introduction to Suicide Intervention

 A Gatekeeper Training: Everyone in Kansas has a role to play in preventing suicide. All Kansans can learn the skills necessary to have a direct and nonjudgmental conversation about suicide, and to help people who may be at risk of suicide stay safe and get the help they need. This training is intended for anyone who is looking to bolster their knowledge and understanding of basic suicide intervention.

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

 This is a two-day workshop for learning suicide intervention skills. The focus is on learning to identify suicide risks and developing a plan with the person at risk to stay safe for now. Participants are taught to identify possible warning signs for suicide including changes in behavior such as isolation, withdrawal, discussing suicide, increase in substance use, aggressiveness, and feelings of hopelessness or pain. Participants are then taught to identify a plan that will keep the person safe which often includes helping the person seek longer-term support or treatment.

Practical Suicide Intervention Skills

 Everyone – professionals and caring adults alike – has a part to play in safety from suicide. Practical Suicide Intervention training allows anyone who is interested in suicide prevention to learn and practice the skills that protect lives. This training is packed with meaningful conversations about suicide, so please prepare to engage with vulnerability and care.

HQ Crisis Counselor Training

HeadQuarters Kansas Counseling Center provides 24/7 free and confidential counseling by phone, text, and chat through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as well as our Direct Line at 785-841-2345. Counselors undergo extensive in-house training prior to answering any crisis contacts. 

Crisis Hotline

Counselors engage in a 9-week training program which meets weekly. A variety of topics are covered including reflective listening, assertiveness/de-escalation, common caller concerns, suicide screening and intervention, safety planning, and others. A heavy emphasis is placed on practice so that our counselors are prepared to engage with any caller concern and are never scripted. 

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