Assessing for Suicide Risk in a School Setting

Presenter/Trainer

Ms. Maricela Ponce, LPC-S, has 11 years of mental health experience and 8 years of clinical practice serving adolescents and young adults. With a powerful background bridging classroom teaching and 7 years as a public-school mental health specialist, she offers unmatched insight into school-based mental health dynamics. Honored as the 2024 LPC of the Year by the RGV Counseling Association, Ms. Ponce is an expert in suicide crisis screenings, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness interventions, regularly training educators and clinicians at conferences across Texas.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This workshop is designed for School Counselors, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Nurses, School Administrators, LPC Associates, and LPCs seeking CEUs.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for school-based professionals who face the critical task of managing student mental health crises. You will leave with actionable skills and evidence-based protocols.

Session 1: Mastering the C-SSRS (The Columbia Protocol)

• The Power of Asking: Understand why the C-SSRS is the "gold standard" for suicide risk assessment in schools.

• Plain Language Screening: Learn to use simple, effective questions that identify ideation severity and immediacy.

• Determining Risk Level: Practice triaging students into Low, Moderate, or High-risk categories to guide your next steps.

• Reducing Liability: Implement standardized documentation to improve communication and protect both students and staff.

Session 2: The Proactive Stabilization Plan-Safety Plan

• Beyond "No-Suicide Contracts": Shift your practice from reactive "promises" to proactive "planning."

• The SPI Model: Learn the six steps of the evidence-based Safety Planning Intervention (SPI).

• Collaborative Planning: Master techniques for creating a safety plan with the students, utilizing their own words, coping mechanisms, and trusted supports.

• Key Components: Practice writing actionable sections, including Warning Signs, Internal Coping Strategies, Social Distraction, Trusted Adult Contacts, and Professional Resources.