In order to prevent suicide, it is imperative that lay-persons through professionals gain the knowledge and practice to become competent in identifying individuals at risk of suicide and connecting them to help, just as with first aid.
Equally important is that the help, clinicians of all types and health and behavioral health care systems, become competent in providing the treatment and services needed to reduce individuals’ risk and guide them toward hope, including family and caregiver engagement.
The following evidence-based, best practice training is available in Connecticut for low or no cost thanks to state and federal grants. For more information on training, please contact us or your Regional Suicide Advisory Board.
General Public / Community:
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) – Learn practical steps to recognize and refer someone at risk.
- Mental Health First Aid – 12-hour course teaching how to identify and respond to mental health issues.
- Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) – Reduce access to lethal means for people at risk.
- Safety Planning Intervention (Online) – Create personal or family safety plans for crisis situations.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) Training – Free online modules for community awareness and prevention.
Clinicians & Professionals:
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – Intensive 12-hour intervention skills workshop.
- Assessing & Managing Suicide Risk: Core Competencies – Advanced training for clinicians to evaluate and manage risk.
- Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Training – Evidence-based screening tool for assessing suicide risk.
- Preventing Suicide in Emergency Departments – Training for ED staff and clinicians on intervention & referral.
- TIP 50: Addressing Suicidal Behavior in Substance Abuse Treatment – Guidance and training for clinicians in substance use contexts.
Campus / Youth Programs:
- Ask Listen Refer (ALR) – Campus-focused suicide prevention training for staff and students.
- Safety Planning for Youth Suicide Prevention – Evidence-based strategies and safety plans for youth.
Local CT / Additional Resources:
- VA Connecticut Training List – Free training opportunities for professionals and veterans.
- Regional Suicide Advisory Boards – Local in-person or online training coordination.
- Contact Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board – Registration or info about local sessions.