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From Knowledge to Action: Responding to Suicide Risk

From Knowledge to Action: Responding to Suicide Risk

Virtual
Event Series (See All)

February 17 @ 2:30 pm 4:30 pm CST

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.

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. View our event calendar for details on other offerings.

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. Download our Suicide Prevention Toolkit for practical tools, resources, and guidance to support someone in crisis.

Hands clasping

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 vsn@austin.utexas.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

No, suicide prevention training courses are not a therapeutic or clinical service.

To join this skill-building workshop, you must first complete at least one of the following trainings to be eligible.

AS+K? About Suicide To Save A Life; 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)

For the best experience, we recommend joining from a quiet, distraction-free space and arriving on time, as participants who join more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted. Be sure to have your Zoom link ready from your confirmation email.

You must register at least 72 hours before an event. Most programs are ongoing series with multiple dates. Please check our calendar for upcoming sessions.

No, all events are completely free to attend. We are a grant-based program and believe in removing barriers to connection and support and are proud to offer these sessions at no cost to our community.

No—VSN is based at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness, but we are a nationwide network open to any military-connected individuals in the US and beyond.

Modalities

Virtual

Session Types

Training

Eligibility

Spouse/Partner of a Service Member, Family Member/Caregiver of a Service Member/Veteran, Divorcee of a Service Member/Veteran, Widow/Widower of a Service Member/Veteran, Service Member/Veteran, Spouse/Partner of a Veteran and Provider/Supporter