Suicide Assessment Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

This conference is designed for licensed behavioral health providers who are interested in learning suicide assessment competencies. Current national and local suicide statistics and trends will be reviewed and discussed. The evidenced-based suicide assessment tool, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Lifetime Recent Clinical Version (C-SSRS), will then be introduced.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the C-SSRS at a pace that allows for discussion and a question-and-answer period. The content will be enhanced through the use of video demonstrations. Finally, all participants will have the opportunity to practice using the C-SSRS in a safe and supportive environment.

At the end of the training participants will leave with an understanding of the C-SSRS as well as a list of local resources to assist when working with patients experiencing suicidality.

Speakers

Kimberly Lafountain, LMHC has over 21 years’ experience in the field of behavioral health. She holds a master of education in guidance and counseling from Providence College and a bachelor of science in health and physical education from the University of Maine. Lafountain is currently employed as a behavioral education development specialist in the Department of Behavioral Education at Bradly Hospital. She works as part of a team that develops and provides competency-based education, evidence-based practices and continuing education, and training programs within Lifespan, regionally and nationally.  Previously, she worked as a clinician in a community-based program designed to keep children and adolescents in home placement. The majority of her career was spent providing outpatient counseling, specializing in sexual abuse specific treatment and juvenile offender treatment. Prior to joining the department of behavioral education, Lafountain was a trainer for Gateway Healthcare. 

Scott Sylvester, LMHC holds a master of arts in clinical psychology from Bridgewater State University. He had been serving as the behavioral education development specialist supervisor at Bradley Hospital since 2013 and has recently taken on the title of behavioral health workforce and professional development manager. He has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Sylvester has worked in various behavioral health settings with extensive experience conducting psychiatric assessments in both the community and emergency room settings. He has been working within the field of behavioral health for 20 years and training staff in the art of de-escalation and crisis management for seven years.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

1. Identify risk factors and warning signs for people at risk for suicide.
2. Recognize a functional understanding of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
3. Practice using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
4. Identify at least 3 community-based resources to help support patients at risk for suicide.

Details

• Target audience: psychologists, physicians, social workers and other interested health care professionals
• 3.0 CE hours/credits (see below) 

Registration

• Program fee: $49.00
• Online registration closes on Wednesday, May 10.
• To request reasonable accommodation for a disability, please call Melissa Crane at 401-432-1106.
• For refund/cancellation information, please email [email protected] or call Mayra Colon at 401-606-5753.

Register online'

Credit Details

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Rhode Island Hospital and Bradley Hospital. Rhode Island Hospital is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education. 

Rhode Island Hospital designates this activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Rhode Island Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rhode Island Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

CEUs for this event have been submitted, pending approval by the National Board for Social Work (NASW), designating this live activity for a maximum of 3.0 continuing education credits for certified counselors, marriage and family therapists.