Target audience: social workers

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the link between substance abuse and suicidality.
2. Discuss strategies and competencies for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors with clients in substance use disorder treatment.
3. Discuss direct and indirect warning signs and risk and protective factors for suicide.
4. Discuss the GATE model for addressing and intervening with suicidal clients in substance use disorder treatment settings.
5. Discuss sociodemographic factors associated with suicide risk including age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

This Reading-based Asynchronous course was created in 2020.

Howard Fogel, Ph.D., CASAC, currently serves as the Educational Director of the program. Dr. Fogel received his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the City University of NY and his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification from the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). He has taught psychology and addiction related courses for the past 35 years at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is currently a certified Education and Training Provider for the NYS OASAS Workforce Development Training Unit.

This course was developed for social work professionals. This course offers substance abuse counselors a four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in substance abuse treatment.

Topics covered include:

• Link between substance abuse and suicidality
• Risk and protective factors
• Demographic correlates
• Suicide assessment
• Techniques and procedures for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Warning signs and safety plans
• Counselor skills and competencies
• Documentation and confidentiality issues

6 Hours – $125