School Suicide Prevention Accreditation

2010

(For resources, this is the publication date. For programs, this is the date posted.)

Information

Program/Practice
American Association of Suicidology
The program costs $350 for school-based professionals and $250 for graduate students (with proof of student status). Email info@suicidology.org or call 202-237-2280 for more information.

Contacts

See This Resource

Developed by the American Association for Suicidology, the School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program is a self-study course for school professionals who want to increase their knowledge of school-based suicide prevention issues. The course is appropriate for those who work in school settings or work with school-age youth, including school psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and others who may be responsible for reducing suicide and suicide-related behaviors. Participants receive a school suicide prevention resource guide, recommended reading list, and sample exam. Participants study at their own pace. When ready, participants take an online accreditation exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants receive a certificate of accreditation by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). In addition to the course, participants receive a one-year membership in AAS and an accompanying one-year subscription to Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.

Among the topics covered by the course are the following:

  • Risk factors for youth suicide
  • Warning signs for suicide
  • Triaging and making referrals
  • Crisis assessment and intervention
  • Prevention principles and models
  • Legal issues and best practices
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Postvention
  • Involving parents
  • School reintegration after a suicide attempt
  • Trauma and youth
  • Suicide contagion and clusters
  • Safety plans
  • Self-injury
  • Additional resources

The School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program was developed using a consensus process involving adolescent and school-based professionals who defined the universe of necessary and sufficient knowledge for competency in this area, developed teaching materials, and built examination questions.

Program Objectives

After training, participants will have:

  1. Increased knowledge of suicide prevention issues as they pertain to youth and schools.
  2. Increased awareness of best practices and evidence-based programs for youth and school-based suicide prevention.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 5.2: Encourage community-based settings to implement effective programs and provide education that promote wellness and prevent suicide and related behaviors.

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.