Abstract
Research has suggested that there are large gaps in training for suicide risk assessment, intervention and prevention in the majority of counseling psychology and addiction counseling master’s programs across the United States. Students have reported their lack of preparedness, confidence, and knowledge around risk factor identification and selecting appropriate interventions. This project developed a workshop to address these gaps in training. Six participants were recruited from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Graduate School of Addiction Studies, and underwent a three-day workshop, meeting for roughly two hours each day. The workshop covered knowledge and skill development related to risk assessments and interventions and included experiential activities using risk scenarios and roleplaying. Participants completed a pre- and post-questionnaire which assessed changes in knowledge, confidence, and skill development. They also were given a chance to give feedback on how they would like to see the workshop altered to meet their training needs. Participants increased their risk factor identification from 22% to 32.7% of factors identified, and all participants reported an increase in their subjective confidence levels. Participants also gave general feedback on how they would like to see the workshop revised to meet their training needs. Discussion of future recommendations are included based on participant feedback.