Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention

Join thousands of mental health professionals who have enhanced their skills with our expert-led CBT for Suicide Prevention course.

“CBT for Suicide Prevention” is a comprehensive, on-demand course designed to equip mental health professionals with practical skills and knowledge in suicide prevention using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Led by Dr. Rob Hindman, this course offers interactive, multimedia training that covers all aspects of suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and intervention techniques.

Learning Objectives:

Thorough Suicide Risk Assessment: Learn to conduct detailed assessments to identify risk and protective factors.
Personalized Safety Planning: Develop effective safety plans tailored to the needs of clients at high risk for suicide.
Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies: Implement evidence-based CBT strategies to help clients manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to suicide risk.
Relapse Prevention Techniques: Utilize imagery and other techniques to prevent relapse and maintain progress.

This course is ideal for psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals looking to enhance their skills and confidently support individuals at risk of suicide. With practical exercises, real-life case studies, and expert guidance, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful difference in your clients’ lives.

Let’s take a look at the topics

The subjects covered in the “CBT for Suicide Prevention” course include a range of topics designed to provide a thorough understanding of suicide prevention through the lens of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the subjects:

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1. Basics of CBT for Suicide Prevention

Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Understanding the cognitive model of suicidal acts
Overview of how CBT can be applied to suicide prevention

2. Beginning Treatment and Engaging Clients

Strategies for engaging clients in therapy
Building rapport and trust with clients at risk
Techniques for initiating conversations about suicide and assessing willingness for treatment

3. Conducting Suicide Risk Assessments

Identifying and evaluating risk factors for suicide
Recognizing protective factors and strengths in clients
Tools and methods for thorough suicide risk assessment

4. Developing Safety Plans

Components of effective safety planning
Techniques for reducing access to means of suicide
Creating actionable and personalized safety plans with clients
Identifying reasons for living and setting actionable goals for clients

5. Conceptualizing Clients Using CBT

Using the CBT framework to understand suicidal behavior
Problem-based cognitive conceptualization: Understanding and addressing specific issues contributing to suicide risk
Strength-based cognitive conceptualization: Leveraging clients' strengths and resilience in treatment

6. Techniques for the Middle Phase of Treatment

Setting therapeutic goals and using affective strategies to manage emotions
Behavioral strategies to change harmful patterns of behavior
Cognitive restructuring to challenge and alter unhelpful thoughts

7. Relapse Prevention and Maintenance

Techniques for preventing relapse into suicidal ideation or behavior
Use of imagery exercises for maintaining progress and preventing relapse
Consolidating learning and planning for future steps

8. Special Topics in Suicide Prevention

Addressing comorbid conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety) that contribute to suicide risk
Ethical considerations and best practices in working with suicidal clients
Understanding the role of family and support networks in prevention efforts

These subjects provide a comprehensive curriculum that equips mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively prevent suicide using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, tailored to individual client needs and circumstances.

Who Should Enroll

The CBT for Suicide Prevention course is ideal for mental health professionals who work directly with individuals at risk of suicide and want to enhance their skills in suicide prevention. This course is particularly suitable for:

Psychologists: Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists who frequently encounter clients with suicidal thoughts and need effective, evidence-based strategies to address these issues.
Counselors and Therapists: Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), substance abuse counselors, and other therapists looking to expand their knowledge and techniques in suicide prevention.
Social Workers: Clinical social workers and those specializing in mental health, crisis intervention, or working in school settings where they may deal with at-risk individuals.
Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses: Medical professionals who provide psychiatric care and need to integrate psychological approaches with medical treatment for a holistic view of suicide prevention.
Primary Care Physicians: Doctors who often serve as the first point of contact for patients with mental health concerns and need practical tools for initial assessment and referral.
Crisis Intervention Specialists: Professionals who work in emergency rooms, crisis hotlines, or community crisis intervention teams, who need to quickly assess and respond to suicidal individuals.
Mental Health Advocates: Individuals and professionals involved in mental health advocacy who wish to deepen their understanding of suicide prevention to better support their communities.

What You Can Learn:

The CBT for Suicide Prevention course is designed to provide you with comprehensive training in understanding, assessing, and intervening in suicidal behavior using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). By enrolling in this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals at risk of suicide. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

Understanding the Cognitive Model of Suicidal Acts:
- Gain a deep understanding of the cognitive processes that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn how negative thinking patterns, cognitive distortions, and unhelpful beliefs contribute to suicide risk. This foundational knowledge will help you identify the cognitive triggers that escalate risk and tailor interventions accordingly.
Conducting Comprehensive Suicide Risk Assessments:
- Learn how to perform detailed and effective suicide risk assessments. You will be equipped with practical tools and techniques to identify both risk factors (such as hopelessness, past suicide attempts, and current stressors) and protective factors (like personal strengths, social support, and coping skills). By mastering these assessments, you can better gauge the immediate and long-term risk of suicide in your clients.
Developing Personalized Safety Plans:
- Discover how to create effective, personalized safety plans that are tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. You will learn to collaborate with clients to develop actionable steps they can take when they feel overwhelmed or suicidal. This includes strategies for reducing access to means of suicide, identifying reasons for living, and setting clear, achievable goals for safety and well-being.
Implementing CBT Interventions for Suicide Prevention:
- Learn how to apply CBT-based interventions that target the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of suicidal ideation. This includes techniques for cognitive restructuring (challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts), problem-solving (addressing the immediate issues that contribute to suicide risk), and behavioral activation (encouraging engagement in positive activities that improve mood and outlook).
Using Imagery and Relapse Prevention Techniques:
- Explore the use of imagery exercises as a powerful tool for relapse prevention. You will learn how to help clients visualize positive outcomes, rehearse coping strategies, and create mental images that reinforce resilience and hope. These techniques are crucial for helping clients maintain progress and prevent relapse into suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Conceptualizing Clients Using a CBT Framework:
- Understand how to conceptualize clients’ issues using both problem-based and strength-based cognitive frameworks. This approach allows you to focus on both the challenges that increase suicide risk and the strengths that can be leveraged to reduce it. By using these frameworks, you can provide more personalized and effective treatment.
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices:
- Learn about the ethical considerations involved in working with suicidal clients, including confidentiality, duty to warn, and ensuring client safety. You will be guided on how to navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring that you provide ethical and compassionate care.
Special Topics in Suicide Prevention:
- Gain insights into the role of family and community support in suicide prevention, understanding how to involve and educate family members and caregivers. Additionally, explore the impact of comorbid conditions (such as depression, anxiety, and substance use) on suicide risk, and learn strategies for addressing these issues in a comprehensive treatment plan.

By the end of this course, you will have the confidence and competence to effectively intervene in suicidal crises, provide support that is informed by the latest research and best practices, and ultimately help reduce the incidence of suicide. Enroll today to make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.

Course Director

Robert Hindman, PhD – Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Hindman is a licensed psychologist at an independent practice. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the Catholic University of America, where his research focused on stress, anxiety, and mindfulness. He developed two mindfulness-focused stress reduction programs for his dissertation research. Dr. Hindman completed his clinical internship at the Coatesville VA medical center and post-doctoral fellowship at Beck Institute. He has co-authored book chapters on anxiety and mindfulness as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, written the Beck Institute online course on CBT for Anxiety Disorders, and has published several journal articles. Currently, Dr. Hindman provides Cognitive Behavior Therapy for clients with diverse presenting problems. In his role as a Beck Institute faculty member, he teaches CBT to a wide variety of mental health professionals and paraprofessionals. He has also presented to national and international audiences on the topic of CBT for anxiety disorders. Dr. Hindman also conducts individual and group consultation and supervision for therapists looking to learn or improve their skills in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In addition, Dr. Hindman collaborates on research that aims to determine effective ways for organizations and therapists to adopt and be trained in CBT.

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Our Happy Clients Say About Us

Dr. Lisa Miller

Marriage and Family Therapist

The CBT for Suicide Prevention course has been an incredible addition to my toolkit as a marriage and family therapist. Many of my clients face overwhelming life challenges, and this course provided me with the structured approach I needed to help them. The emphasis on understanding the cognitive patterns leading to suicidal thoughts was eye-opening. I learned how to develop safety plans that are both practical and tailored to each individual's needs. The course also offered valuable insights into working with families, helping them understand and support their loved ones. This training has profoundly impacted my practice, allowing me to approach difficult conversations with confidence and compassion.

Dr. Michael Roberts

School Psychologist

As a school psychologist, the well-being of my students is my top priority. The CBT for Suicide Prevention course offered essential insights into how to support students at risk of suicide. The modules on emotional regulation, safety planning, and cognitive interventions were extremely relevant to my work. The course was well-structured, with plenty of practical exercises that I could use in real-life scenarios. What I appreciated most was the emphasis on collaborative safety planning, which empowers students to take an active role in their well-being. This course has given me the confidence and tools to better support my students, making a real difference in their lives.

Karen White

Social Worker

The CBT for Suicide Prevention course has been a lifesaver in my role as a social worker. I often deal with clients who are in crisis, and having the right tools is crucial. This course provided a comprehensive overview of how to assess suicide risk and develop effective safety plans. The emphasis on understanding both the problem-based and strength-based cognitive conceptualizations of clients was enlightening. I now feel more equipped to support my clients through their struggles, providing them with the skills they need to overcome their challenges. The course is well-organized, practical, and deeply informative. It’s a must for any professional dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention.

Dr. Sarah Thompson

Psychiatrist

The CBT for Suicide Prevention course was a revelation for me. As a psychiatrist, I encounter many patients struggling with severe mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. This course provided a solid framework for understanding the cognitive processes behind suicidal behavior. The detailed guidance on conducting risk assessments and developing tailored safety plans is invaluable. What stood out most was the focus on cognitive and behavioral interventions that are both effective and compassionate. This training has enhanced my ability to support my patients, offering them practical tools to manage their thoughts and feelings. I highly recommend this course to any mental health professional seeking to deepen their expertise in suicide prevention.

John Carter

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Enrolling in the CBT for Suicide Prevention course was one of the best professional decisions I've made. As a licensed counselor, I frequently encounter clients experiencing suicidal ideation, and this course has equipped me with the tools to provide better support. The comprehensive approach, from risk assessment to safety planning, ensures that no aspect of suicide prevention is overlooked. The practical advice and step-by-step guides are easy to follow and apply. I've already implemented these strategies with several clients, and the positive impact is evident. The course has boosted my confidence in dealing with high-risk situations and reaffirmed my commitment to helping those in need.

Dr. Emily Brown

Clinical Psychologist

Taking the CBT for Suicide Prevention course was a transformative experience for me. As a clinical psychologist, I often work with clients who are at risk of suicide, and this course provided me with a structured approach to assess risk and develop effective safety plans. The focus on cognitive and behavioral strategies allowed me to integrate new techniques into my practice immediately. The course content is engaging and practical, making complex topics accessible. I've noticed a significant improvement in my clients' outcomes and feel more equipped to handle challenging situations. I highly recommend this course to any mental health professional committed to improving their skills in suicide prevention.

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