Practical Skills for Real-World Crisis Response
Join us for an interactive, skills-focused suicide prevention training designed to equip participants with practical tools to support individuals facing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. This training combines evidence-based frameworks like the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and the Mental Health First Aid ALGEE Action Plan with guided practice to build confidence, competence, and readiness for real-world crisis response.
Through hands-on scenarios, role-play demonstrations, and peer-to-peer coaching, participants will develop essential skills in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and trauma-informed communication. Ideal for adults who have completed foundational training, this session empowers learners to take meaningful action when it matters most. Together, we can save lives through connection, awareness, and response.
What You’ll Gain
- Learn to administer the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to assess suicide risk and guide next steps.
- Develop a personalized Safety Plan with coping strategies, resources, and crisis response options.
- Apply the Mental Health First Aid ALGEE Action Plan to de-escalate crises, ensure safety, and connect individuals to care.
About Suicide Prevention Training
Suicide prevention trainings help prepare individuals to respond to someone in crisis. You'll learn how to recognize risk, offer support, and take meaningful steps to keep someone safe. Learn more about suicide prevention trainings. Download our Suicide Prevention Toolkit for practical tools, resources, and guidance to support someone in crisis.
This Event is Open To
This event is open to individuals nationwide. Participants must have completed at least one of the following trainings:
- Mental Health First Aid (Adult or Youth)
- Tackling Safety Together: Safety Planning Intervention
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Crisis Response Planning (CRP)
- safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone)
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
- Connect Suicide Prevention & Intervention Training (NAMI)
- AS+K? About Suicide To Save A Life
Eligibility varies by session. Check Eventbrite for details on other offerings.
Take the First Step Toward Suicide Prevention–Sign up Today!
Looking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for individualized support. For more resources and updates, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter. Questions or concerns? We’re here to help at vsntraining@austin.utexas.edu.
