Continuing Education on Suicide Assessment and Crisis Intervention for Social Workers and Other Mental Health Professionals: A Follow Up Study
ABSTRACT Historically, graduate training programs have not taught suicide assessment and intervention skills in depth; therefore, the development of effective continuing education offerings is relevant and necessary for practicing social workers. Although the ability to increase knowledge and confidence is critical, a focus on competency based education demands that training participants also incorporate the new skills into practice. This study evaluates a 6 hour continuing education program on suicide assessment and intervention. A one group, pretest/posttest/3 month follow up design assessed changes in knowledge and confidence as well as participants' self reported integration of knowledge and skills into their practice. Implications for continuing education programs on suicide assessment and intervention are discussed.