Episode 87 | Assessing & Treating Suicide Risk

Purchase this course individually using the link below and complete the post-test and evaluation to earn CE credit. As of July 16, 2026, AFFIRM Academy memberships are no longer available. Existing members can continue accessing CE podcast episodes through their member portal until August 31, 2026. Register now: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/oLH6u9zf

Course Information: https://canva.link/a0n8fhtx7enkw24

---

Episode Summary: Suicide assessment is only the beginning of suicide care. In this continuing education podcourse, we move beyond identifying risk to explore how clinicians can formulate suicide risk, directly address suicidal thoughts and behaviors, develop collaborative safety plans, reduce access to lethal means, and determine appropriate levels of care.

We discuss suicide-specific approaches including CAMS, CBT for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), and DBT, as well as the role of psychiatric treatment and interdisciplinary coordination. The course also explores chronic suicidality, medication considerations, hospitalization and alternatives to hospitalization, post-crisis care, and more complex presentations involving violence risk, postpartum psychiatric emergencies, financial crises, and emerging technology.

---

Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support in the U.S.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC): Clinical resources for suicide assessment, safety planning, lethal-means counseling, treatment, and care transitions.

Zero Suicide: Evidence-informed tools and resources for suicide-safer healthcare systems.

Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention: Safety-planning resources and guidance are available through SPRC.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.