Identifying, Assessing, & Responding to Suicide Risk

This training program is approved by the State of Washington Department of Health. The approval number is: TRNG.TG.60715084-SUIC.

This course will include research information from agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for an in-depth look at the prevalence of suicide, the warning signs, symptoms of depression, and risk and prevention factors. Case examples, stories, research articles, and interviews with professionals will be presented throughout the training with opportunities for participants to evaluate their own understanding of this subject.

Mr. White will provide helpful risk assessment tools and present an approach he developed entitled, “A.N.C.H.O.R. Management of Suicide Risk" that includes the key components for working effectively with suicidal clients.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the end of the training participants should be able to • Identify the signs and symptoms of a suicidal client • Accurately assess the client’s risk factors • Provide a reasonable plan for the client’s safety & welfar

EPDC CE Hours: 6

Presenter: Gregory White, MS, LMHC, CCHP

Gregory White received his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 1983. Early on, his professional experience included working in a residential treatment program for teens, private practice, and outreach crisis intervention for families. For 23 ½ years Mr. White worked as a mental health professional at the Snohomish County Jail in Everett, WA. During that time he assessed hundreds of people who made suicide statements, suicide gestures, and serious suicide attempts. Mr. White has had extensive experience working with families, clinicians, psychiatric providers, courts, and DMHPs when developing treatment plans and safety plans for at-risk detainees returning back to the community. Mr. White has provided subject matter expertise for the National Institute of Corrections (Technical Resource Provider & Crisis Intervention Team instructor), the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (Academy & CIT Instructor), OmniSure Consulting Group (Risk Management consultant, webinar presenter, SuicideReduction-Risk-Tip videos), Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. (editorial and accreditation assistance for counselor CEs), Winning Focus, Inc. (suicide prevention flyer & webinar presenter), the National Commission on Correctional Health Care conferences (break-out session presenter), and the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Startzel, P.S. (jail mental health consultant). Mr. White has lived in Washington for over 40 years and is married with 2 adult children. His faith and family come first and, when he has time, he also enjoys a variety of activities including camping, hiking, biking, coaching soccer, playing the piano, cooking, and traveling.