Practical and Ethical Strategies for Navigating Suicide of a Client in Group Practice

2 CE Credit Hours. Legal-Ethical. Continuing Education Session Replay

Presented By: Tara Sanderson, PsyD, MBA

Best Practices for Managing Suicidal Crises in a Group Setting

We will discuss essential documentation procedures, including thorough risk assessments, safety plans, and clear communication with colleagues and relevant parties. Furthermore, we will emphasize the importance of clinician self-care and support mechanisms to mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout. We will also delve into the ethical and legal ramifications of client suicide, including duty to warn, informed consent, and confidentiality. Finally, we will review current research on suicide risk factors, intervention strategies, and best practices for managing suicidal crises in a group setting.

Course Description

Educational Objectives

Explore practical strategies for documenting client suicide within a group mental health setting, including risk assessments, safety plans, and communication protocols.
Examine the ethical and legal considerations surrounding client suicide, including
confidentiality obligations.
Develop an understanding of clinician self-care strategies and support mechanisms to
mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout when working with suicidal clients

Syllabus

Introduction & Defining Suicide:

● Defining suicide and related terms (e.g., suicidal ideation, suicide attempt)
● Epidemiology of suicide and risk factors
● Impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities
● Ethical and legal frameworks relevant to suicide prevention and intervention

Suicide Risk Assessment & Management:

● Conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessments (e.g., using standardized tools)
● Developing and implementing effective safety plans
● Documentation of risk assessments, interventions, and communication
● Utilizing available resources and consultation services

Ethical & Legal Considerations:

● Duty to warn/protect: Legal and ethical obligations in cases of imminent danger
● Informed consent: Discussing treatment options and potential risks with clients
● Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality in suicide cases
● Ethical dilemmas and decision-making in complex situations

Communication & Collaboration:

● Interdisciplinary communication within the group practice (e.g., between therapists,

supervisors, administrators)
● Communication with clients, families, and other relevant parties
● Crisis intervention protocols and emergency procedures
● Utilizing technology for communication and documentation

Clinician Self-Care & Well-being:

● Recognizing and addressing vicarious trauma and burnout
● Self-care strategies for mental health professionals (e.g., mindfulness, stress
management techniques)
● Peer support and supervision
● Professional development opportunities for suicide prevention

Current Research & Best Practices:

● Review of current research on suicide risk factors, prevention strategies, and
interventions
● Evidence-based practices for managing suicidal crises in a group setting
● Emerging trends and best practices in suicide prevention

References

Littlewood, D. L., Quinlivan, L., Graney, J., Appleby, L., Turnbull, P., Webb, R. T., & Kapur, N. (2019). Learning from clinicians’ views of good quality practice in mental healthcare services in the context of suicide prevention: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry
Sandford, D. M., Kirtley, O. J, Thwaites, R., O’Connor, R. C. (2020). The impact on mental health practitioners o the dealth of a patient by suicide: A systematic review.
Clinical Psychotherapy
Farberow, N. L. (2005). The mental health professional as suicide Survivor. Clinical Neuropsychiatry 2, 1, 13-20
Guitin, N. (2019). Losing a patient to suicide: Navigating the aftermath. Current Psychiatry, 18, 11, 17-24.
Gill, M., Premnazeer, M., Scali, O., Rizvi, S., Schendelman, A., Platajko, H., Cameron, J. I., (2024). Engagement in meaningful activities post suicide loss: a scoping review protocol. PLOS ONE, 1, 1-11.
Bultema, J. K. (1994). The Healing Process for the Multidisciplinary Team: Recovering Post-Inpatient Suicide. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 32(2), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.3928/0279-3695-19940201-06 (Original work published February 1, 1994)
Spruch-Feiner A, Labouliere CD, Brodsky B, Green KL, Brown GK, Vasan P, Cummings A, Layman D, Monahan MF, Galfalvy H, Rahman M, Kammer J, Wainberg ML, Nicholson T, Leckman- Westin E, Finnerty M, Stanley B. Effects of Patient Suicide on Professional Practice Among Mental Health Providers. J Psychiatr Pract. 2022 May 1;28(3):184-192. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000626. PMID: 35511094; PMCID: PMC9097301

2 CE Credit Hours.

$49.00

Presented/Developed By

Dr. Tara Sanderson, PsyD, MBA is a Licensed Psychologist in Oregon, owner of a group practice, a Clinical supervisor for Residents and Associates, an entrepreneur, course creator, podcaster and an author. As a clinician, Dr. Sanderson loves working with and talking about Anxiety, OCD, Perfectionism and burnout. As a trainer and supervisor Dr. Sanderson’s heart lies in training up and empowering interns and pre-licensed folks. She teaches courses in how to start a private practice, and how to have interns in your practice and more!

Consulting Website: www.drtarasanderson.com

Practice Website: www.drsandersonandassociates.com

Book Website: www.toomuchnotenoughbook.com

How to Start a Private Practice: www.howtostartaprivatepractice.com

How to have interns in your practice: www.howtohaveinternsinyourpractice.com

Program Notices

Accuracy, Utility, and Risks Statement: This program discusses strategies for complying with HIPAA, state rules in general, and covered ethics codes. It may not include information on all applicable state laws. Misapplication of the materials, or errors in the materials, could result in security problems, data breaches, or non-compliance with applicable laws or ethics codes.

Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Sanderson is the owner of Dr. Sanderson and Associates, in her role she provides additional resources and consultation on business management, supervision and support for other mental health professionals and group practice business owners, which may be mentioned as an optional resource for learners.

Commercial Support: None.

This course is subject to our cancellation/refund policy and complaint policy.