BRAND-NEW!
Law & Ethics CEs!
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means for Suicide
Presented by: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
When: Thursday, August 6th, 2026| 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM, Pacific Time
Where: Live on Zoom. You will receive your Zoom link/invitation the week of the workshop.
Continuing Education Credit Hours (NBCC and NASW-WA Approved CEs): 3 Law & Ethics CEs | $99.00
Continuing Education Workshop Description:
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This continuing education workshop will explore how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. Discover who needs lethal means counseling and how to work with people at risk for suicide—and their families—to reduce access.
Learn about what clients and families need to know, and what clinicians can do to increase safety with suicidal clients who have access to lethal means. Participants will also examine common barriers clinicians face when discussing firearms, medications, and other lethal means with clients and families, including fear of damaging rapport, cultural considerations, and uncertainty about legal or ethical responsibilities.
Practical, trauma-informed communication strategies will be reviewed to help therapists engage in collaborative, nonjudgmental conversations that support client autonomy while enhancing safety planning. Case examples and clinical applications will help participants strengthen confidence in identifying appropriate clients for lethal means counseling and integrating these interventions into routine suicide risk assessment and treatment planning.
Continuing Education Workshop Objectives
- Explain at least two reasons why reducing access to lethal means can prevent suicide.
- Identify clients for whom lethal means counseling is appropriate.
- Describe counseling strategies for raising the topic of lethal means and increase confidence and skill in applying these strategies with clients.