Products and Resources Catalog

To view resources from this training, click ATTACHMENT links Recording coming soon!   Event Description Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This session will provide rationale for lethal means safety, recommendations on who and when should receive lethal means safety information, and an introduction to lethal means counseling for Veterans at risk for suicide. In addition, the session will provide information on basic firearm safety and safe storage practices.  Trainers Chad Pitts & Sarah Kemp-Tabbut   Chad Pitts is a Veteran of the U.S. Army with over 10 years of organization and program management experience. He is currently the Program Manager for ND HOPES, a suicide prevention project in Western ND focused on Veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and rural residents. Chad has previously held positions within the NDUS focused on equity and diversity initiatives for disproportionately affected populations including LGBTQIA2S+ and Veterans. While in the Army Chad served as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge for multiple domestic and global missions with the 82nd Airborne Division.   Sarah Kemp Tabbut is the Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator at the Fargo VA.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of hands-on and public health experience in mental health and suicide prevention.  Sarah is well-versed in suicide prevention best practices, including safety planning, lethal means safety, and community-based interventions and is a Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Trainer.  She also partners throughout North Dakota with communities to create and strengthen community coalition efforts for mental health, suicide prevention, and Veteran/Military issues. 

To view resources from this training, click ATTACHMENT link Click here to watch the recording Event Description This didactic lecture will review the conceptual basis and empiric evidence linking firearm access to suicide risk and provide clinicians with basic knowledge, language, and strategies to facilitate secure firearm storage solutions among patients identified as having elevated suicide risk. Trainer Joe Simonetti Joe Simonetti is a clinician investigator with the VA Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention and Director of Mentorship and Education for the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing patient-centered firearm injury prevention interventions for individuals at risk of suicide. As an educator, he works locally and nationally to support VA and community-based clinicians in delivering evidence-based and culturally informed counseling interventions.

Recording of the event Early-Stage Psychosis: The Basics and Best Practice Updates, originally held on February 29, 2024.    

  This presentation provided a brief overview of how harm risk (suicidality and self-injury) can present in young people experiencing early psychosis. We reviewed a selection of psychotherapy strategies that can be helpful in targeting these concerns, highlighting functional analysis, distress tolerance skills, and the CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality). We discussed these strategies in the context of disguised client examples, and encouraged suggestions and case consultation from the audience.   Presenter: Michelle L. West, PhD, Director, Program for Early Assessment, Care, & Study (PEACS), Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado – School of Medicine (CUSOM). Dr. West is a clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment, treatment, and research for young people showing possible early risk for psychotic spectrum illnesses. This webinar was presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Mental Health Center GrandRounds series.   View a recording of this 2/23/24 session here. 

This is a recording of Workshop 4 in the Back to School Series, entitled, “Trauma Informed Suicide Prevention for Administrators,” on September 13, 2023. In the penultimate workshop session, CARS own Training and Technical Assistance Specialists, and former school site and district administrators, Tina Rocha and Angela Castellanos discussed how to build an understanding of suicide prevention policy, the prevalence and impact of traumatic stress and its relation to suicide, and resources available to schools. This session was designed for system leaders, prevention specialists, educators, administrators, school site leadership, district and state administrative leadership, and anyone interested in growing their knowledge, skills, and approaches to suicide prevention in their practice.

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Hear from Breann Vandenberg, a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor from a rural community in Oregon who works in agriculture. Breann shares her first exposure to MHFA, her experience starting MHFA in her area, how it combats stigma and why this training is so effective. GUEST Breann Vandenberg, MS Breann Vandenberg works with the Oregon State University Extension Service based in Lake County, OR. She is an alumnus of the University of Idaho and holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Animal Science-Physiology. Breann has worked in all facets of animal agriculture and pharmaceutical research, as well as youth programming while providing leadership for the 4-H Youth Development Program in Lake County. In response to community need, in 2020 Breann jumped aboard the Coast to Forest team with Oregon State University, focusing efforts in Mental Health response, building awareness and improving community capacity, and reducing stigma to Mental Health and Substance Use challenge. In addition to her family’s beef operation and county 4-H appointment, she delivers trainings such as Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, Question Persuade Refer, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to Pacific Northwest communities.   HOST Christina N. Clayton, LICSW, SUDP, Northwest MHTTC Co-Director Christina Clayton has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97).  Learn more about MHTTC Staff & Faculty   LEARN MORE Learn more about Mental Health First Aid & upcoming trainings with Oregon State University PODCAST SERIES Discover other episodes in the Putting It Together series here. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

A presentation for Rutgers Health faculty, clinical health care providers, and educators about the use of 988 call-line for people in emotional distress. This is being offered to support the Rutgers Health Suicide Prevention month and Suicide Prevention Committee at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. OBJECTIVE 1: Provide overview of 988 Call-Line 2: Identify situations with patients, colleagues or students when 988 may be helpful 3: Differentiate 988 from 911 4: Offer resources for people in emotional crisis. View session recording.

The third September issue of our newsletter spotlights Hispanic Heritage Month, features an upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinar, MHTTC & ATTC network events, other events of interest and resources. 

The second September issue of our newsletter spotlights Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, features an upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinar, MHTTC & ATTC network events, other events of interest and resources. 

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE Despite substantial tribal, state, and federal effort, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) suicide rates have changed little in the last 30 years, prompting attention to new and innovative approaches to this persistent health disparity. Suicide prevention interventions with demonstrated success in other populations may be useful in AI/AN communities. Caring Contacts is a suicide prevention intervention that has been adapted and shown to reduce suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in other populations. Goals: Learn about the methods of this community-based participatory research approach in Indian Country. Hear the results and implications from those communities. Discover how these lessons may have implications for your work. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides Learn more about Caring Contacts (CARE): A Strength-based, Suicide Prevention Trial in Four Native Communities FACILITATOR Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Partnerships for Native Health, Eastern band Cherokee (AniKituwah)  Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center. In 2012, he returned to the field of Native health disparities through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Career Development Award (K12) at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Dr. Nelson joined the Washington State University College of Nursing in 2015. His work aims to address health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities through multiple avenues. His current research interests focus on the elimination of health disparities in urban dwelling and other Native populations through the application of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions and other patient centered approaches to changing health behaviors, such as indigenized motivational interviewing and harm reduction treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys making and using traditional Native archery gear and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia.   Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

About this Resource: The Southeast MHTTC Newsletter highlights upcoming events and recently released products as well as shares information on available resources from SAMHSA and the MHTTC network.  The September 2023 issue promotes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Recovery Month, and National Hispanic Heritage Month. This issue also highlights our upcoming events and recently developed products, celebrates efforts being done by Region IV states, and provides resources available through the MHTTC Network and SAMHSA to connect individuals to needed treatment and support. 

Participants learned how to:  Describe how both positive and negative attentional biases may contribute to suicide risk  Describe the Broaden and Build theory of positive emotions  Describe specific strategies to increase one's attention to positive emotions and experiences   Presenter: Shirley Yen, PhD, Associate Professor, Psychology, Harvard Medical School This hybrid event was co-hosted by Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet.

This social media toolkit includes six posts that each debunk a different myth around suicide. Feel free to share on your own networks!

Despite impacting tens of thousands of people each year, there are still many misconceptions surrounding suicide. It is of utmost importance that we begin to breakdown these misunderstandings by providing up-to-date information and education. The South Southwest MHTTC has put together four posts for social media that offer a unique "fast fact." Please feel free to share these posts across your social networks.

Many people who are considering suicide display warning signs. Warning signs of suicide include identifiable indicators, such as changes in behaviors, talk, and mood. The South Southwest MHTTC has put together a handout that highlights common warning signs of suicide.

There are documented factors that can protect against suicide. These factors work to prevent suicide on a variety of levels. Learning about what steps can be taken to prevent suicide can empower individuals and communities to take action. The South Southwest MHTTC has put together a handout identifying protective factors for suicide prevention.

Asking a loved one about suicide is never an easy conversation. However, the act of talking about suicide can save a life and provide an opportunity for a struggling friend or family member to share their feelings and get support. We have put together a brief guide to facilitate a conversation with someone about suicide and compiled some useful resources. We hope that you feel empowered to check in on your loved ones and to share this resource with others this Suicide Prevention month.

Recording of the event Black Youth Suicide: Exploring a Public Health Crisis and the Role of Racial Trauma, originally held on June 6, 2023. Slide presentation

This is a recording of Part 1: Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence, that took place on April 18, 2023. To raise awareness and support prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children, our Region 9 partnered with Dr. Meagan O’Malley, Frances Marion LCSW and Jessica Palacio LCSW to release Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Resource for Elementary School Educators and School-Based Professionals (March, 2023) Led by the authors of this guide, this webinar video is available to provide elementary school personnel with critical knowledge and resources to help recognize, assess and respond to the warning signs of STBs in such a way that harm may be reduced and children are kept safe. Part 1 of the series offers an interactive walk through the guide with exercises and scenarios to support optimum use of the guide. Viewers of this video can benefit from the following learning objectives: Gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors and warning signs of suicide in elementary age children. Explore the protective factors against suicide, as well as tiered, school-based approaches to prevention and intervention. Learn strategies to communicate with parents/caregivers of elementary age children at risk for suicide.

This is a recording of Part 2: Young Children & Suicide Prevention for Parents and Caregivers To raise awareness and support parent and caregiver’s prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children, our Region 9 partnered with Dr. Meagan O’Malley, Frances Marion LCSW and Jessica Palacio LCSW to release Our Young Children & Suicide Prevention: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers  (March, 2023) This resource is for schools and mental health providers to distribute to parents and caregivers so they are equipped with the tools to recognize the warning signs of STBs, and, when necessary, intervene early and effectively to keep their child safe. In Part 2 of the series, the authors of this guide walked school personnel through how to use the guide, discussed some of the risk factors for suicide, and provided coaching models for ways parents can talk with children about suicide in an age-appropriate way, as well as actions to take in securing professional help if a child is in danger. Viewers of this video can benefit from the following learning objectives: Gain a deeper understanding of risk factors and warning signs of suicide in young children. Learn developmentally appropriate ways parents and caregivers can talk with their children about suicide. Learn action steps parents and caregivers can take in responding to suicide risk in their children, including how to make their environments safer and connect children to professional support.

Learning that your elementary-aged child is thinking about self-harm or using language that signals suicide is frightening and disorienting. Thankfully, suicide is preventable and there are many things that parents and caregivers can do to help keep their children safe. This Brief, a complement to the more detailed resource, “Our Young Children & Suicide Prevention: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers” is designed to help parents and caregivers prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs), recognize the warning signs of STBs, and, when necessary, intervene early and effectively to keep their children safe.   O’Malley, M., Marion, F., Palacio, J., & Gomez, J. (2023) Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC).

  When children talk about death, communicate a wish to die, or hurt themselves—when they engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (“STBs”)—school adults may feel stunned and disoriented. Rates of reported STBs in children are rising (Burstein et al., 2019), elevating the need for up-to-date information meant to ensure educators are prepared to respond in the best possible way. This Brief, a complement to the more detailed resource, “Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Resource for Elementary School Educators & School-Based Professionals,” is designed to provide elementary school personnel with critical knowledge and resources to help them recognize and assess the warning signs of STBs, and to respond in such a way that harm may be reduced, and children are kept safe.   O’Malley, M., Marion, F., Palacio, J., & Gomez, J. (2023) Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC).

This is a recording of “Session 1: 988 Turns One! How Did it Go and How Can it Grow?” in the Rising Practices & Policies Revisited: Emerging Priorities in Mental & School Mental Health series.  On May 8, 2023, our Center’s Co-Director Dr. Miranda March hosted this Session 1, a panel discussion on how school and mental health leaders from our Pacific Southwest region have implemented 988, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline that launched in July of 2022. The panel was moderated by Danielle Raghib, Technical Assistance Specialist with the Center for Applied Research Solutions and featured CJ Loiselle, David Lopez, Kelly Marschall and Dr. Margie Balfour.  View this recording to hear the panelists' presentations and a Q&A with participants regarding the following questions, and more: How has the launch of 988 gone and how has it served the communities in our region? What are some of the challenges and wins? What are some of the lessons learned in the implementation of 988 (what worked and didn’t work, any models adopted, any emerging practices emerging)?

  More college students than ever before are reporting receiving therapy or counseling.  To access resources from this webinar, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description A recent study conducted by Healthy Minds Study confirms what many providers working with young adults and college-aged youth already know,   rates of anxiety, depression, and risk of suicide are at all-time highs.  The report also indicates that more college students than ever before report receiving therapy or counseling.  The report from the annual Healthy Minds Study is based on web surveys taken by 96,000 U.S. students across 133 campuses in the 2021-22 academic year. It found that 44% of students reported symptoms of depression, 37% reported anxiety disorders and 15% reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year—the highest recorded rates in the history of the 15-year-old survey.    How can you help someone with low mood and distress?  We dedicate this hour workshop to taking a deeper look at depression and suicide, including what depression is and how it is linked to suicide, how to recognize signs and symptoms of depression, the myths and stigma, and gauging risk of suicide in clients. The second half of the workshop is dedicated to how to provide support for these clients, including a few experiential exercises to use with clients with depression, and the creation of a safety plan that can be used with a client at risk for suicide.   Trainer Christina Ruggiero, RP