This contemporary suicide prevention training program is a comprehensive and cutting-edge initiative designed to clinically equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to confidently and effectively prevent suicide in today's diverse and rapidly dynamic world. This training program is rooted in evidence-based practices and incorporates the latest research, technology, and a holistic and humanistic approach is offered to address this critical public health issue. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Increase confidence and competence in discussing uncomfortable topics such as suicide 
2. Identify contemporary suicide risk factors, protective factors, and preventive interventions 
3. Create a suicide risk containment plan 
4. Identify points to address in the case of a completed suicide 

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Those who fully participate in this training will be eligible to receive 2 CE hours certified by ICB/IDFPR. CE certificates will be distributed by the hosting agency (IABH).

PRESENTER:

Shannon Dunn, PhD, LCSW (IL, CA, AZ, IL, IN, AL), CRADC has been on the USC School of Social Work Clinical Teaching faculty since 2003. She has more than 40 years of clinical experience working with people who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and severe addictions. Dr. Dunn has worked in all levels of mental health treatment settings, including state psychiatric hospitals, acute inpatient facilities, residential treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs and private practice, where she helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders and addiction. She also has more than 10 years of experience in emergency psychiatric settings in Chicago and downtown Los Angeles.

She has 23 years of experience teaching foundational and advanced mental health clinical courses in the in Master of Social Work programs in Los Angeles and Chicago and law and ethics for mental health providers in USC’s MFT program.

She received her Bachelor of Science from The University of Evansville (1988) and both her MSW (1993) and PhD (2002) in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago.

Dr. Dunn enjoys practicing and teaching principles of the Recovery Model and strengths-based social work. She uses a variety of evidence-based practices in her clinical work including DBT, EMDR, CBT, Interpersonal Theory, Expressive Art Therapy, Problem-solving Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. She is an LGBTQ+ and trauma-informed ally. She is sensitive to a variety of cultures from which people identify. She works closely with Psychiatrists and other providers to ensure comprehensive care for her clients. Her courses are guided by learner-centered teaching methods coupled with multimedia technology, expert guest speakers and field trips. In 2008, Dr. Dunn received the USC School of Social Work’s Jane Addams Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Dunn is a international, national, and local speaker about mental health micro, mezzo, and macro topics.

The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.