John Westefeld, PhD, ABPP

Suicide: Assessment of Risk, Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention (90 minutes) LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. List at least three risk factors for suicide and describe how to assess those risk factors. 2. Identify 2-3 applicable recommendations for prevention, intervention, and postvention when working with suicidal patients. ABSTRACT: Being able to assess suicide risk is a valuable and important skill for psychologists working with at-risk clients; however, accurately assessing suicide risk, particularly in ambiguous situations, can be difficult. This introductory-level presentation will discuss the risk factors associated with suicide, preventative measures for suicide, and various methods for assessing suicidal risk. Participants will also be shown a short video to introduce the topic. The goal of this presentation is that practitioners will be better equipped to discuss suicide prevention with clients and identify appropriate suicide risk assessment techniques. BIOGRAPHY: John S. Westefeld, PhD, ABPP is Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa, and is Board-Certified in Counseling Psychology. Over his 44 year career he has worked in both direct service (private practice and university counseling centers) and academia. The primary focus of his life’s work has been suicide and how to prevent it. He has researched and written about the topic extensively; worked with suicidal patients; and presented numerous workshops and training sessions on the topic to professionals and the public. This interest is both personal and professional, in that John lost a close friend to suicide many years ago. John has served as President of Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association and is a Fellow of that Division. He has won multiple awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Mentoring from Division 17, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Counseling Psychology, Distinguished Teaching Awards from The University of Iowa and the Alabama Psychological Association, and in the fall of 2021 he was honored by the University of Iowa Alumni Association with the Distinguished Faculty Award for his lifetime of work in the area of suicide. American Psychological Association (APA) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. (Provider #1113) New York State Education Department (NYSED) Buros Center for Testing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0187. There is no known commercial support for this program. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS PROVIDED WHEN PURCHASED FOR A COURSE: PowerPoint slides References/additional readings Comprehension quiz with answer key Discussion questions Timestamps for presentation content For a brief preview of this video, click link below.