Understanding Suicide to Prevent Suicide

Course content available in video.

Tokens may not be used with webinars

2025

Suicide risk can evoke uncertainty and fear in treatment providers, in part because it is difficult to understand and the stakes are high. In this context, Dr. Klonsky will present his Three-Step-Theory of suicide. The theory offers an explanation for suicide that is evidence-based, concise, widely applicable, and actionable. The webinar will describe the conditions that give rise to suicidal desire, the conditions under which suicidal desire progresses to a potentially lethal suicide intent, and key causes of suicide risk that can be flexibly monitored and targeted across diverse intervention modalities and contexts. This webinar is designed to be of use to beginner, intermediate, and advanced audiences.

Target audience: This course is appropriate for all mental health professionals

Content level: Introductory/Intermediate

Educational Objectives

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to

Identify the most common motivations for suicide
Identify factors that facilitate transition from suicide ideation to suicide attempts
List the most important treatment/prevention targets for reducing suicide risk

Syllabus

Understanding Why People Consider Suicide
- What drives suicidal desire
Understanding Why People Make Suicide Attempts
- What turns suicidal desire into action
Evidence Behind the Three-Step Theory
- Key research findings that support the model
Using the Theory in Practice
- How the model helps us understand and reduce risk

WEB062025

April 15, 2025