Sept. 17, 2025 | By Dana Elmendorf, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Suicide Prevention Month Resources
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults (5%) have serious thoughts of suicide each year.
- About 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes.
- 79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male.
- In the US, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall.
Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide among U.S. youth populations:
- High school students: 20%
- LGBTQ+ high school students: 41%
- LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24: 39%
- Young adults ages 18-25: 12.2%
(Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The purple and turquoise ribbon symbolizes suicide awareness and prevention. (From the 988 Lifeline)
WATCH ON DEMAND
Join us for an inspiring session led by Patsy Mika, MA, MFT, QMHP, that explores the transformative power of art in the realm of mental health and suicide prevention. In “Brushstrokes of Hope,” we delve into the intricate relationship between creativity and emotional well-being, highlighting how art can serve as a vital tool for healing, connection, and resilience.
Whether you are a mental health professional, a caregiver, or someone interested in the intersection of art and healing, this session will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting someone experiencing suicidal ideation.
DISCOUNTED FOR AATA MEMBERS ON AATA’S OLA
Suicidality Assessment and Management Trainings
The resources below are free. If you choose to complete them for CE credits, there may be a quiz and an additional cost.
Net CE Course: Suicide Assessment and Prevention
Suicide is a major preventable public health problem and cause of mortality. This course will review the major aspects of suicide assessment, management, and prevention, with a special focus on military veterans. Primary care contact may represent the last opportunity for intervention in the severely depressed suicidal patient, making the thorough comprehension of identification and treatment of depression and suicide risk imperative. LEARN MORE
Columbia Lighthouse Project
The Columbia Lighthouse Project has short videos on YouTube and longer webinar trainings. Watch one of their short demos on You Tube and consider your thoughts about the approach that invites a conversation to continue about the thoughts and feelings the person is having. LEARN MORE
Veterans Health Administration Suicide Prevention Training
The Veterans Health Administration is offering free online training to help community health care providers feel confident and comfortable talking with veterans at risk for suicide about secure storage of firearms and other lethal means, which can help save lives. The self-paced training is available in a one-hour format that offers free continuing education credits and a 20-minute format that doesn’t. LEARN MORE
Diagnosis and Treatment Courses through Alison
This free online course will teach you suicide prevention, risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment techniques. LEARN MORE
Zero Suicide
Zero Suicide Institute® at EDC guides organizations and professionals through transformational change toward safer suicide care. All courses are free of charge and open to anyone. Courses were developed by Education Development Center (EDC) through partnerships with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). LEARN MORE
Stay Here Network
Stay Here is a mental health organization dedicated to giving hope to those battling brokenness, depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide. Stay Here offers free suidice prevention training to individuals. LEARN MORE
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. SPRC is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Find virtual courses and fact sheets. LEARN MORE