Lecture Series
The SRM Lecture Series is a free, live webinar offered on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 2-3pm EST. The lectures are designed for providers working with Veterans at risk for suicide. They cover a broad range of suicide prevention topics including best practices in suicide risk assessment, risk stratification, culturally competent suicide prevention interventions, and postvention practices.
Accreditations
JA IPCE, ACCME, ACCME-NP, ACPE, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NYSED-P, ASWB, NBCC, AOTA
Credit/hours
1-hour CE only available for those who:
- Pre-register and attend the live lecture
- Take the recorded course in TMS or TRAIN
The upcoming lectures are listed below. If you wish to view all of the webinars or specific lectures based on month, year or availability of recorded sessions, use the options below to filter the content as desired.
Show:
Population-Level Analyses of the Rural-Urban Suicide Disparity Among VA Patients
June 14, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenter: Brian Shiner MD, MPH
Join us to review recent research examining the rural-urban disparity in the risk of death by suicide among VA patients. Brian Shiner, MD, MPH, will discuss the demographic differences between rural and urban patients contributing to this disparity as well as address strategies to improve coding of VA race and ethnicity data.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Discuss background literature on suicide mortality rates among rural and urban populations.
- Describe the overall trends in suicide mortality rates among rural and urban VA patients.
- Identify best practices for coding of race and ethnicity data using VA electronic medical record data.
- Display suicide mortality rates among demographic sub-populations of VA patients.
Brian Shiner MD, MPH
Brian Shiner is a psychiatrist and preventive medicine physician who has been conducting research in the areas of PTSD and suicide prevention at the White River Junction VA Medical Center since finishing residency in 2009. He is currently the associate chief of staff for research at White River Junction, as well as associate professor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. Over the last four years, Brian collaborated with the Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-White River Junction to complete a series of studies on the rural-urban disparity in death by suicide among VA patients. He will be presenting his findings from this work.

VA Suicide Risk Identification Strategy (Risk ID): Utilizing the CPG to Inform Standardized Suicide Risk Screening and Evaluation
May 10, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenter: Suzanne McGarity, PhD
VA's enterprise-wide Suicide Risk Identification strategy, Risk ID, is consistent with multiple recommendations outlined in the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide. This month, Suzanne McGarity, PhD, will discuss the recommendations and share real-world examples of how they can be implemented in clinical practice.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Describe the components of the VA's Suicide Risk Identification strategy (Risk ID);
- Identify three CPG recommendations that were incorporated into Risk ID;
- Recognize barriers and facilitators to implementation of universal suicide risk screening
Suzanne McGarity, PhD
Dr. McGarity is a Clinical Psychologist in the Rocky Mountain MIRECC where she serves multiple roles. She provides technical assistance as a member of the VA Risk ID and SPED implementation team and consultation services for the Rocky Mountain MIRECC's local and national Suicide Risk Management consultation program. She is also a consultant with the Advanced Safety Planning Intervention Training Program.

Recordings for CEUs
VA TMS Recording Coming Soon TRAIN.org Recording Coming SoonWhole Health as Suicide Prevention
April 12, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Patterson, PhD, ABPP and Dr. Kathy Hedrick, PhD
Older adults have risk factors for suicide such as social isolation, loneliness, loss, and decreased functioning and mobility. For Veterans, engagement in a Whole Health system can help create a sense of purpose and social connection, a commitment to self-care activities, and a trusting relationship with health care professionals. This month, Jennifer Patterson, PhD, ABPP and Kathy Hedrick, PhD, will discuss the use of holistic measures to promote meaning and purpose in Veterans' lives and address suicide prevention. Information on how to integrate Whole Health will result in better Veteran care.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Describe the Whole Health System;
- Discuss the relationship of purpose and self-care as protective factors;
- Identify at least one strategy for connecting with the Veteran's mission, aspiration and purpose;
- Describe resources related to Whole Health and Suicide Prevention
Dr. Jennifer Patterson, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Jennifer Patterson is the National Director for Integrated Services with the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP). In this position she serves as a member of the OMHSP Executive Leadership Team and has direct oversight for the integration of mental and behavioral health care into medical settings and the integration of Whole Health across mental health programs. Dr. Patterson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and is board certified in Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology via the American Board of Professional Psychology. She is committed to values-driven leadership, investing in people and cutting-edge innovation, and translating strategic vision into measurable healthcare transformation. In support of health and well-being, Dr. Patterson enjoys fishing and hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains and spending time with her husband, mischievous parrot and 2 exuberant dogs.
Dr. Kathy Hedrick, PhD
Dr. Kathy Hedrick is a Senior Consultant with the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation (OPCC&CT). In this position, she leads the work for Whole Health in Oracle Cerner integration, the Coding and Tracking team, and is Chair of the Whole Health Clinical Care Task Force. She works as the primary contact for OPCC&CT for the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Dr. Hedrick is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and, prior to joining OPCC&CT, worked for several years as a psychologist in VHA focusing on trauma processing with Veterans who have experienced Combat and Military Sexual related traumas. Dr. Hedrick lives and works out of North Carolina and, in support of her health and well-being, is currently training for her fifth half marathon.

Recordings for CEUs
VA TMS Recording Coming Soon TRAIN.org Recording Coming SoonMilitary and Veteran Caregivers: Health, Wellbeing, and Phenotypes for Suicidal Ideation
March 8, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenter: Roxana E. Delgado, PhD, MSH
Military and Veteran caregivers in the United States have unique needs and psychosocial characteristics to consider. This month, Roxana Delgado, PhD, MS, will describe the health, wellbeing, and unique challenges of military and Veteran caregivers.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Describe the situation of military caregiving in the United States
- Identify the unique characteristics and factors associated with the health and wellbeing of military caregivers, specifically mental health
- Explain the phenotypes of distress and the association with suicidal ideation in caregivers of wounded, ill and injured Veterans
Roxana E. Delgado, PhD, MSH
Dr. Roxana Delgado is a health scientist and an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division. Dr. Delgado developed the "Military and Veteran Caregiver Portfolio," a research platform that addresses the short and long-term health-related outcomes of caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured service members and Veterans. Her research focuses on predictors and health outcomes in military caregivers, with an emphasis on the long-term trajectory of disease and illness. Dr. Delgado's professional experience was inspired by her firsthand experience as the wife of a combat wounded veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. She is a nationally recognized speaker, author, researcher, and avid advocate for traumatic brain injury and caregiving. She co-founded the TBI Warrior Foundation, where she volunteers her time to improve access and care for traumatic brain injuries. She serves on various advisory boards to inform national policies and programs for Veterans and caregivers. A 2015-16 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow representing the State of Texas. She is passionate about what she does. Her goal is to dedicate her life and profession to contributing to science and helping wounded, ill and injured Veterans and their caregivers discover ways to thrive.

Latest Research Updates on Caring Contacts for Suicidal Patients
February 8, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenter: Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH
Caring Contacts is an intervention strategy that has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths. This month, Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH, will provide information to help providers understand Caring Contacts, review the latest research concerning the intervention, and how to scale and implement Caring Contacts with Veterans.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Summarize the history, rationale, and common characteristics of the Caring Contacts intervention
- Describe how to scale and implement Caring Contacts to include text message and postal mail
Kate Comtois, PHD, MPH
Kate Comtois, PhD, MPH is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. She received her Ph.D. in clinical/community psychology from the University of Maryland in 1992. She received her MPH in Health Services at the University of Washington in 2009. Dr. Comtois' research career is dedicated to promoting the recovery of individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behavior and the effectiveness and resilience of the clinical staff and families who care for them.

Grief, Loss, and Meaning in BIPOC Veterans: Exploring Historical Trauma and Suicide Risk Management
January 11, 2023 2:00 ET
Presenters: Maurice Endsley, Ph.D. and Charlotte McCloskey, Ph.D.
Grief carries a powerful emotional impact for the bereaved, and when the loss is significant, grief expression can manifest in thoughts of joining those who have died, or, experiencing suicidal ideation. This can particularly affect individuals from communities who have experienced repeated and lasting losses based on racial bigotry and historical trauma.
This month, Maurice Endsley, Ph.D., and Charlotte McCloskey, Ph.D., will provide information to help providers explore the impact of historical trauma on contemporary grief and loss recovery with a focus on BIPOC Veterans.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Provide overview of suicide risk in the context of bereavement and loss for BIPOC Veterans
- Define historical trauma and describe how it influences contemporary reactions to grief and loss in BIPOC Veterans
- Share resources to further mitigate suicide risk in the context of bereavement and historical trauma
Maurice Endsley, Ph.D.
Dr. Endsley obtained a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri — St. Louis with an emphasis in Behavioral Medicine. He has specialized training in health psychology in primary care settings and psycho-oncology. He is currently serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager for VA Northern California. His interests include multicultural psychology with a focus on the impact of coping with race-based stress on mental and physical health. He was co-lead for a VA Innovation and VA Office of Health Equity supported project to spread a race-based stress and trauma group-based intervention to support Veterans of Color. He is also a Subject Matter Expert and Co-Chair for the OMHSP DEI Resource SharePoint site. He has provided numerous trainings and talks on the impact of racism on mental and physical health, including interventions to improve health equity.
Charlotte McCloskey, Ph.D.
Dr. Charlotte McCloskey, Sicangu Lakota, is the Local Recovery Coordinator and a staff psychologist at the KCVA. She is active in American Psychological Association, Division 18: Psychologist in Public Service, VA Section and chair for Psychologists In Indian Country Section, and a former member of Committee for Women in Psychology. She is a co-coordinator for the national call for the Psychologists of Color Special Interest Group for the Association for VA Psychology Leaders, and a member of the Society of Indian Psychologists and the Society of American Indian Government Employees. Most recently, she held a detail that was collaboration of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Office of Rural Health and the Rocky Mountain MIRECC focused on efforts to better serve Native American Veterans. She is also a Subject Matter Expert and Co-Chair for the OMHSP DE&I Resource SharePoint project. She received her masters and doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an emphasis on teaching and multicultural psychology. Her professional/clinical interests are focused on mentorship, consultation, recovery/resiliency, trauma, and grief and loss.

Talking to Kids after a Suicide Attempt
December 14, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: Christie Machan, LCSW, and Aaron Murray-Swank, PhD
Talking about a suicide attempt in the family is important for all members of that family—including children. This month, Christie Machan, LCSW, and Aaron Murray-Swank, PhD, will provide a framework of child and adolescent supports and resources helpful for addressing a suicide attempt in the family.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Identify why talking about a suicide attempt in the family is important for kids in that family
- Describe when and how family members should talk about the attempt
- Discuss ideas on how much information to share by age group that is developmentally appropriate
- Describe ways adults can support a child after a suicide attempt in the family
Christie Machan, LCSW
Christie Machan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention with the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. She has worked with Veterans and their families across a range of clinics and settings through her 13 year career in the VA Healthcare System. In her current role, Ms. Machan works with the VISN 19 MIRECC Clinical Core Team on projects including; National Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program, Postvention Consultation, and the Risk ID Implementation Team. She is passionate about supporting Veteran's wellbeing by nurturing their parental and partner relationships to build up protective factors and reduce suicide risk.
Aaron Murray-Swank, PhD
Aaron Murray-Swank, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist in the Virtual Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. He has worked with Veterans and their families across a range of clinics and settings throughout his 19 year career in the VA Healthcare System. Dr. Murray-Swank is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and an Affiliate Faculty Member at Regis University in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy. He has authored or co-authored over 20 professional publications, including work on family interventions for serious mental illness and suicide postvention.

Gatekeeper Training as a Force Multiplier for Community Suicide Prevention
November 9, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: Cicely Burrows-McElwain, LCSW-C and Kendra Barnes, LCSW
The Community Practice Guideline for Suicide Prevention highlights gatekeeper training as a widely adopted strategy for population and community-based interventions. This month, Cicely Burrows-McElwain, LCSW-C, and Kendra "Kenner" Barnes, LCSW, will introduce the CPG guidance on gatekeeper trainings, and provide an overview of the options and applications of such trainings in community settings. Many gatekeeper training options are available to communities looking to expand their continuum of tools as they strive to implement a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to:
- Examine CPG population- and community-based interventions related to gatekeeper training
- Understand a brief overview of existing literature published
- Explore various models of gatekeeper trainings and key components to the models
- Identify and access information on gatekeeper trainings for various settings
Cicely Burrows-McElwain, LCSW-C,
Cicely Burrows-McElwain, LCSW-C, joined the VA Suicide Prevention Office in the Community-Based Interventions for Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance and Resource Center Director in 2021. Prior to her current role Cicely served as the Military & Veteran Affairs Liaison at SAMHSA and has over 2 decades practice experience in community settings.
Kendra "Kenner" Barnes, LCSW
Kendra "Kenner" Barnes, LCSW, joined the VA Suicide Prevention Program Office in December 2021 as part of Community Based Interventions for Suicide Prevention as the Program Manager for VISN 20. She has been with the VA since 2011. Previous experience includes supporting Veterans through SPC, PCMHI, M2VA and PACT/SCI programs.

Supporting Staff During Challenging Times
October 12, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: John McQuaid, PhD
This month, Dr. John McQuaid, PhD, will address the impact of stressful life events on staff. Strategies leaders can take to support staff in the face of both acute and ongoing stress with the ultimate aim of enabling better Veteran care will be discussed. Following this live, knowledge-based webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to describe the role of stress in mental health and occupational functioning, identify principles for supporting staff dealing with increased challenges, and specific interventions adopted by the San Francisco VA to address stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
John McQuaid, PhD
John McQuaid, PhD is Associate Chief of Staff for Health Equity, San Francisco VA Health Care System as well as Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatry of the Weill Institute of Neuroscience at University of California, San Francisco.

Financial Well-Being and Suicide Risk in Military Veterans
September 14, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: Eric Elbogen, PhD, ABPP
Empirical research shows a link between financial strain and suicide risk. Addressing this should be a critical component of suicide prevention in Veterans. This month, Eric Elbogen, PhD, ABPP, will discuss the correlation between financial stressors and suicide risk, provide an overview of the unique financial needs and challenges of Veterans, and discuss available financial resources and targeted interventions that can be used to improve skills for achieving financial empowerment.
Dr. Eric Elbogen, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Eric Elbogen, PhD, ABPP is a Clinical Psychologist at the VA and Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University. He ran a money management group at the VA for over a decade, and has been Principal Investigator of a randomized controlled trial of a recovery-oriented money management intervention for Veterans and of a nationally representative longitudinal survey of Veterans identifying a link between financial strain and suicidal ideation. Dr. Elbogen and colleagues also demonstrated a link between financial strain and suicide risk in the US general population and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recordings for CEUs
Recorded Lecture Coming SoonSuicide Prevention in Veterans with Substance Use Disorders
August 10, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: James Haug, MD, and Erin Higgins, LCSW, LAC
Nearly 1 in 12 adults in the United States has a Substance Use Disorder. It is well known that substance use can elevate the risk for suicidal behavior. This presentation will review the specifics of how it increases risk. Our goal is to educate the audience on the correlation between substance use and suicide risk, address challenges in assessing individuals with concurrent substance use and suicide risk and offer treatment recommendations.
James Haug, MD
James Haug received his MD from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He completed his residency in psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, serving as a chief resident in his final year. He returned to Colorado and completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the University of Colorado. He is currently the Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder Clinics for Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. He is involved in medical student education and is the psychiatry liaison for the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships at the Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC.
Erin Higgins, LCSW, LAC
Erin Higgins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addictions Counselor with the Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention. She serves as Postvention Lead and is a consultant for the Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program. Prior to joining the MIRECC in 2020, she served as Program Manager for the Outpatient Substance Use Disorders Clinic at the Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. Her clinical interests include suicide postvention, the intersection of substance use disorders with suicide risk, and using technology to improve suicide risk screening and interventions.

Addressing Therapy Interfering Behaviors (TIBs) in the Context of Suicide Risk
July 13, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: Lauren Borges, PhD
Therapy interfering behaviors (TIBs) in those at risk for suicide can present as a barrier to successful treatment. This month, Lauren Borges, PhD, will discuss how therapy interfering behaviors (TIBs) can disrupt treatment and prevention efforts on the behaviors maintaining suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention and End of Life
June 8, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: Pamela Steadman-Wood, PhD, ABPP and Kristen Dillon, PsyD, ABPP
This live, knowledge-based webinar for healthcare teams will cover suicidality at end of life. This webinar will discuss the unique issues of desire for hastened death and suicidality at end of life. Participants will learn the differences between desire for hastened death and suicidality. Contributing and risk factors for both suicidality and desire for hastened death will be discussed. Participants will discuss practical approaches to risk assessment and interventions in the context of end of life.
Pamela Steadman-Wood, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Steadman-Wood is a board certified Geropsychologist. She is Chief of General Outpatient Mental Services at the Providence VA Medical Center and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University's Alpert Medical School. Her primary areas of interest are in the development and implementation of integrated geriatric behavioral health programs, geropsychology training and evidence-based psychotherapy competency training.
Kristen Dillon, PsyD, ABPP
Dr. Dillon is a board certified Geropsychologist practicing in Hospice and Palliative Care at VA Bedford. She is the Geriatric Mental Health Champion for VISN 1. She provides care to Veterans and families in hospice, serves as a member of the palliative care consult team, manages the bereavement program and facilitates the hospice and palliative care rotation for psychology trainees.

Suicide Prevention among those with Neurologic Conditions
May 11, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: Lisa Brenner, PhD
Individuals with a history of neurologic conditions (e.g., stroke, TBI, ALS) have been identified as being at an increased risk for suicide. Data regarding risk, as well as factors associated with risk will be presented, as well as information regarding most prevalent mechanisms of suicide death. Strategies for intervention with these high risk cohorts will also be discussed. This month, Dr. Lisa Brenner, Director of the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) will discuss suicide prevention and intervention strategies for those with neurologic conditions.

Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS)
April 13, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: Ryan Holliday, PhD
Understanding and classifying suicidal thoughts and behaviors remains a challenge. In particular, misclassification can impact clinical care and surveillance which can result in decreased understanding of the issue and appropriate treatment considerations and planning. As such, utilization of a standard nomenclature (i.e., the Suicidal Self-Directed Violence Classification System [SDVCS]), developed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses such an issue. Understanding and utilization of the SDVCS is integral for several reasons. First, SDVCS allows for classification of self-directed violent thoughts and behaviors in an atheoretical, unbiased capacity. Additionally, classification is comprehensive and only falls into a single thought/behavior. Finally, classification utilizing the SDVCS is presently required within VHA.
Ryan Holliday, PhD
Dr. Holliday is a Clinical Research Psychologist at the Rocky Mountain MIRECC Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention and an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. His clinical and research interests focus upon understanding the intersection of trauma, psychosocial stressors and mental health. He is further interested in translating these findings into evidence-based practice.

Recommendations for Postvention Processing Sessions
March 9, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: Suzanne McGarity, PhD, and Christie Machan, LCSW
Losing a patient to suicide can be emotionally taxing — both professionally and personally. Postvention services provide comprehensive support to help providers heal and cope following the loss of a patient. This month, SRM consultants Christie Machan and Dr. Suzanne McGarity will illustrate how to effectively conduct postvention processing sessions for providers.

Suicide Risk Management for Rural Native Veterans
February 9, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenter: Jay Shore, MD, MPH
Rural Native Veterans often experience disparate mental health outcomes due to military service. This month, Dr. Jay Shore will present common mental health issues and how to provide mental health care to Rural Native Veterans including approaches in suicide risk management.

The Role of Psychosocial and Vocational Rehabilitation in Suicide Prevention
January 12, 2022 2:00 ET
Presenters: Shana Bakken, PhD, CRC, Dan Bradford, MD, MPH and Timothy Smith, PhD
Psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation programs and resources can promote recovery and reduce the risk of suicide among Veterans. This month, a panel of presenters (Bakken, Bradford and Smith) will discuss the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Services Section of the VHA's Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and how these programs include a prominent suicide prevention component.

Suicide Prevention for Veterans with Disabilities
December 8, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Erin Andrews, PsyD, ABPP
Disability is often portrayed through the medical model as an individual problem rather than as a diverse social, political, and cultural experience. This month, attendees will increase their awareness of the cultural aspects of disability, how these factors contribute to suicide risk among Veterans with disabilities, and learn to identify and challenge their own disability biases.

Understanding and Navigating Elevated Suicide Risk when Working with Justice-Involved Veterans
November 10, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenters: Ryan Holliday, PhD; Matthew Stimmel, PhD; Katharine Stewart, LCSW; Alisha Desai, PhD
Veterans may experience difficulty readjusting to civilian life and have difficultly managing mental health issues, injuries, or trauma that may result in Veteran involvement in the criminal justice system. Research indicates that justice-involved Veterans may face various psychosocial stressors which can increase their risk for suicide. This month, a panel of presenters (Holliday, Stimmel, Steweart and Desai) will discuss how to navigate elevated suicide risk when working with justice-involved Veterans.

Suicide Risk and Prevention for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations
October 13, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: John Blosnich, PhD, MPH
Recent research shows people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender experience high disparities in suicidal ideation and attempt. This month, John Blosnich, PhD, MPH will discuss suicide risk and prevention for sexual and gender minority populations. Understanding and considering the social environmental context of risk and protective factors for these populations is key to developing public health approaches to suicide prevention.

Supporting the Wellbeing of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Providers in the Context of COVID
September 8, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Patricia Watson, PhD
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented, stressful environments for mental health professionals. This month, Patricia Watson, PhD, will review how providers can increase self-care and peer support using a flexible, evidence-informed framework. Dr. Watson will discuss ways to identify common stress reactions and risk factors for mental health and health care providers responding to extended public health crises, describe strategies for engaging in self-care and peer support and explain the core components of an evidence-based peer support intervention.

Targeting Suicidal Behavior in the Context of Moral Injury
August 11, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Lauren Borges, PhD
During this month's lecture, Lauren Borges, PhD, will discuss how clinicians and health care teams can conceptualize and effectively target suicidal behavior in the context of moral injury. Following the webinar, clinicians and health care teams will be able to describe a conceptual model of moral injury and suicide risk, discuss Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Moral Injury (ACT-MI) as an approach to targeting moral injury and suicidal behavior and discuss the results of a case study where ACT-MI was applied to moral injury and suicidal behavior.

Emergency Department Care Plans
July 14, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Rebecca Collins, LCSW
Rebecca Collins, LCSW, will provide an overview of ED care plans and how they can help ensure Veterans receive appropriate care to meet their invidual needs, including mental health and social needs. Ms. Collins will also discuss how creative communication methods help Veteran care teams identify recommendations for working with specific Veterans.

Neurocognitive Disorders and Suicide
June 9, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenters: Joleen Sussman, PhD and Kelly Soberay, MA
Dr. Joleen Sussman and Kelly Soberay will present effective suicide prevention interventions for persons with dementia and their loved ones. They will discuss appropriate resources and education for persons with neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers.

Preventing Suicide Among Women Veterans: Research Findings to Inform Gender-Sensitive Care
May 12, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenters: Claire Hoffmire, PhD and Lindsey Monteith, PhD
Dr. Claire Hoffmire and Dr. Lindsey Monteith will present considerations for a gender-sensitive approach to suicide risk assessment and intervention with women Veterans. They will discuss findings that indicate there are important gender differences in Veterans' risk factors for suicide, including access to lethal means (e.g., firearms).

Recordings for CEUs
Access the Recording in TRAINResponding to Suicidal Ideation or Self-harm from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Perspective
April 14, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Laura Meyers, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Laura Meyers will review how to treat suicidal ideation and self-harm from a DBT perspective. Following this live, knowledge-based virtual training, clinicians and health care teams will be able to: identify how to effectively respond to suicidal statements from a DBT perspective, define the difference between "operant" and "respondent" behaviors and discuss the pros and cons of hospitalization.

Coordinating Across All Levels of the Continuum of Mental Health Care: The Role of VCL with Each of You
March 10, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Kearney
This month's SRM lecture will highlight the elevated risk of suicide in the Veteran population and the importance of engagement services after a call to VCL as a method of suicide prevention.

Involving Family and Loved Ones in Suicide Prevention Efforts
February 10, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenters: Drs. Kathryn Barrs, PsyD and Barbara Dausch, PhD
This month's SRM lecture will discuss how to clinically involve loved ones in the prevention of suicide for individuals at increased risk. Presenters will also share available resources in VA and the community to support Veterans and their loved ones.

TBI, Suicide, and Evidence-Informed Intervention Strategies
January 13, 2021 2:00 ET
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Brenner, Director, VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center
This month's SRM lecture is presented by Dr. Lisa Brenner the factors that lead to increased risk of suicide in Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and discuss evidence-informed intervention strategies that must be implemented to address risk and prevent suicide.

Treating PTSD in the Context of Suicidality
December 9, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Drs. Sadie Larsen, PhD and Lisa-Ann Cuccurullo, PsyD
In this month's SRM lecture, Drs. Larsen and Cuccurullo review evidence of how suicidality is affected by trauma-focused treatments, discuss when to provide trauma-focused treatments in the context of suicidality, and how to successfully manage both in treatment.

Understanding and Addressing Suicide Among Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
November 18, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Drs. Ryan Holliday and Jillian Weber and Mr. Shawn Liu, LCSW
In this month's SRM lecture, Drs. Holliday and Weber and Mr. Liu review risk factors and discuss best practices for assessment and intervention specific to the homeless Veteran population.

Welfare Checks and Therapeutic Risk Management
October 14, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Hal Wortzel, MD and Edgar Villareal, PhD
This month's SRM lecture will apply the principle of therapeutic risk management as a patient-centered approach to scenarios prompting consideration for welfare checks.

Providers Working in Suicide Prevention: Personal Perspectives on Self-Care, Sustainability and Post-Traumatic Growth
September 9, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Monireh Moghadam, LCSW and TJay Wiechman, RN
This month's SRM lecture will focus on the importance of self-care and sustainability for providers and healthcare teams who work with individuals who are at higher risk for suicide. Listen as one presenter reflects on the experience of post-traumatic growth, recovery, and healing in the wake of a colleague's death by suicide.

Suicide Postvention
August 12, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenter: Dr. Sarra Nazem
This month's SRM lecture is presented by Dr. Sarra Nazem who will discuss suicide postvention, the organized response that occurs after a suicide loss and is an essential element of a comprehensive suicide prevention approach. By providing immediate and ongoing support to those impacted by a suicide loss, suicide postvention policies and practices serve an important function in reducing risk and promoting healing after suicide. Despite its importance, many providers report a lack of suicide postvention education and awareness.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Lethal Means Safety with Veterans
July 8, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Dr. Ryan Holliday & Dr. Lindsey Monteith
This month's SRM lecture is presented by Dr. Ryan Holliday and Dr. Lindsey Monteith who will discuss Lethal Means Safety (LMS) — a strategy for preventing suicidal self-directed violence by reducing access to lethal means (e.g., excess medication, firearms) when suicide risk is elevated. The training will provide guidance on how to apply a patient-centered approach to assess lethal means access, particularly with Veterans.

Using Chain Analysis to Assess and Intervene on Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
June 10, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Dr. Sean Barnes & Dr. Lauren Borges
This month's SRM lecture is presented by Dr. Sean Barnes and Dr. Lauren Borges who will discuss using chain analysis as a critical strategy for therapeutic risk management of suicidal ideation and behavior. The focus will be on the purpose of chain analysis and discovering new strategies for intervening on suicidal ideation and behavior, the impact of positive and negative reinforcement, and how to apply the components of the chain as an intervention strategy.

Safety Planning — Basics and Beyond
May 13, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Dr. Megan Harvey & Dr. Suzanne McGarity
This month's SRM Lecture is presented by Drs. Harvey and McGarity who will discuss the important role of safety planning as an essential tool in suicide prevention efforts. The focus will be on the basics and reasons for safety planning, the concept of the suicide risk curve, and how best to meet the needs of Veterans in unique circumstances.

Why Suicide Risk Assessment Matters
April 8, 2020 2:00 ET
Presenters: Dr. Bridget Matarazzo & Dr. Hal Wortzel
The inaugural SRM Lecture is presented by Drs. Matarazzo and Wortzel who will discuss the necessary role of suicide risk assessment in mental health practice. The focus will be on therapeutic risk management, a patient-centered model, that will ensure optimal care for Veterans.
