Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: A Core Competency Training for Mental Health Professionals

Equip yourself with the vital skills, clinical confidence, and evidence-based tools needed to effectively support clients in crisis and save lives.

Suicide risk assessment is one of the most challenging—yet critical—responsibilities a mental health professional face. This comprehensive, core-competency training bridges the gap between theory and practice, transforming anxiety into actionable clinical expertise.

Through this course, you will master the full spectrum of suicide risk management, from the initial interview to ethical documentation and essential self-care.

What You Will Learn:

• The Collaborative Stance: Navigate your own emotional responses to maintain a strong, supportive therapeutic alliance during high-stakes moments.

• Evidence-Based Frameworks: Apply modern theoretical models to accurately identify culturally informed risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors.

• Practical Intervention & Safety Planning: Conduct structured risk assessment interviews, formulate precise clinical judgments, and co-create actionable safety plans.

• Defensible Documentation: Implement evidence-based interventions and document your clinical reasoning according to the highest professional standards.

• Ethics & Self-Care: Navigate complex legal obligations with confidence, and learn structured debriefing practices to protect your own well-being.

About Your Instructor:

Alice Bernet, PhD, PMHNP-BC, NBC-HWC is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and educator with over 20 years of clinical experience. At her solo private practice, Prospect Wellness, she provides patient-driven, individualized medication management for adults navigating ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Her health coaching background lends support for behavior and lifestyle changes to complement her medication management approach. Alice applies a methodical evaluation of patient-centered outcomes while proactively collaborating with therapist networks to ensure seamless, whole-person care.

Beyond the clinic, Alice is a published researcher specialized in behavioral health systems and suicide prevention. She is passionate about equipping fellow professionals with practical tools to increase clinical confidence. Known for her ability to break down complex psychiatric ideas into relatable concepts, she brings a collaborative and engaging style to her workshops.

Alice’s favorite aspect of teaching is when a patient or student makes a connection they hadn't realized before. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys indoor rowing and spending quality time scouting with her daughter.

Elevate your practice, fulfill your ethical duty, and become a anchor of safety for your clients when they need it most.

Course Details:

Continuing Education Credits':

• 3 NBCC Approved CE’s

Date and Time:

• Friday, July 17 · 9:00am – 12:00pm

  • Time zone: America/Chicago

Format:

• Live Online-

  • Google Meet joining info sent upon registration

Cost:

• $125-

  • $10 discount when registered by July 10th

  • Discount will be automatically applied

Please read our Course Agreement prior to registration.