Conducting a Suicide Intervention: The Role of Ministry Leaders and Caregivers
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Summary In this session, Dr. Sibcy again utilizes the Safe-T method, but this time with an emphasis on the role of pastors and other lay caregivers in conducting a suicide intervention. It is of utmost importance that when a suicide risk is clearly present, referral systems are in place to get the atrisk parishioner to a trained clinician who can help.
Learning Objectives 1. Participants will name and describe each step of the five step Safe-T suicide intervention model. 2. Participants will understand important considerations for lay caregivers who encounter suicide risk. 3. Participants will view an example of referring to appropriate resources.
I.
Introduction A. Suicide Crisis 1. The risk is prevalent. 2. If you work with people in a caregiving role, you will likely encounter someone with suicidal thoughts and ideation who may be at risk for suicide completion. 3. This is true even if you are not working as a counselor. 4. Preparing for the instance of suicide threat is absolutely crucial to intervention outcome.
B. The Safe-T Method 1. Safe-T Five-Step Evaluation & Triage System for Suicide Assessment 2. Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). 3. Pay attention to significant stressors in your parishioners’ lives.
II.
The Safe-T Method A. Step 1: Recognize an Individual’s Risk Factors
B. Step 2: Compare Risk Factors with Existing Protective Factors
C. Step 3: Inquiry 1. Assess the client’s state of mind with respect to attachment, history, ideation. 2. The three factors to balance are risk, protective factors, and suicide state of mind. 3. As a lay clinician, it is important to be ready to recognize when someone needs help, and be prepared to plug them in to help.
D. Step 4: Determine a High, Medium, Or Low Level of Risk
E. Step 5: Document an Implement a Treatment Plan: What You Did, Why You Did It, and How You Did It. 1. Try to understand a person’s state of mind before trying to intervene. 2. If someone’s level of risk is high or moderate, getting them connected to someone who can intervene at a professional level is the immediate concern. 3. It is important to have a rich array of people who you can refer to and understand their processes. •
You will want to know who has a long waiting list and who leaves space in their schedule for emergency clients.
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Get contact information and have it readily available.
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Understand how to access the local Emergency Room and what their procedures are.
III.
Role Play 1 A. Background
B. Role Play
C. Review
IV.
Role Play 2 A. Background
B. Role Play
C. Review
V.
Role Play 3 A. Background
B.
Review
Ro le Pl ay