Course Description:

The proper management of suicide risk in clients is one of the most important skills for clinicians to possess. This presentation will highlight common ethical principles that relate to our responsibilities in working with suicidal clients, such as autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Case studies will highlight both ethical and unethical approaches to working with suicidal clients, and learners will be encouraged to assess these vignettes. The “gold standard” list for ethical suicide care will be presented. Areas such as confidentiality, assisted suicide, and clinician liability will be discussed. Learners will reflect on their own training and beliefs around suicide to enhance their ethical practice.

OBJECTIVES:

• Demonstrate knowledge of three ethical principles related to supporting suicidal clients.
• Explain proper ethical and clinical guidelines related to suicide.
• Evaluate case studies to identify relevant social work ethics, values, and principles.
• Appraise unique suicide case studies and formulate clinical judgments about best practices.