Description

Course Description

Evaluating and managing acute crisis situations is one of the most high-stakes responsibilities a mental health professional faces. When a client experiences suicidal ideation, clinicians must move beyond baseline compliance checklists to deliver a nuanced, highly structured, and collaborative intervention that prioritizes immediate safety while maintaining clinical efficacy and legal integrity.

This training is specifically engineered to provide clinicians with a robust framework for managing suicide risk with confidence and precision. Participants will dive deeply into the critical clinical boundaries necessary to accurately evaluate the severity of intent, distinguishing clearly between passive and active suicidal ideation. Going beyond basic data collection, this course teaches practitioners how to synthesize complex clinical indicators into an ethical, evidence-based management plan. Moving away from outdated and legally fragile “no-harm contracts,” you will learn to construct comprehensive, collaborative safety plans that empower clients, lower acute physiological and emotional distress, and preserve the therapeutic alliance.

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Spot the Warning Signs:Confidently identify key suicide risk factors and subtle behavioral or emotional warning signs in your clients.
• Map Intent with Care:Distinguish between passive and active suicidal ideation to accurately assess a client’s immediate safety needs.
• Build Collaborative Safety:Design warm collaborative, safety plans (such as the Stanley-Brown model) that provides practical, actionable, localized coping mechanisms and crisis contacts for high-risk individuals.
• Navigate Crises with Peace of Mind:Protect your clinical practice and your peace of mind with stress-free, ethical documentation and clear choice-making in tough moments.

Presenter Information

Lynell A. Howard, PhD, NCC, LPC-S, CPCS

Dr. Lynell Howard is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor who has been in practice over 25 years. Dr. Howard has earned a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and Doctorate in organizational psychology. She holds licenses as a professional counselor in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas and has been a practicing consultant and clinician in various settings. Aside from her work as a mental health clinician, Dr. Howard provides professional training, counseling, and support for professional organizations across the US, Europe, and Asia.

Lanee Sambou, M.S., LPC

Lanee Sambou is a Licensed Professional Counselor, private practice owner, and veteran trainer who brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and adult learning experience to her work. Transitioning to behavioral health after a successful corporate career in training and human resources, her diverse clinical background spans private practice, substance use recovery, community mental health, and child welfare. With over 13 years of experience in professional development, Lanee combines education and behavioral health to deliver engaging, practical training for mental health professionals, focusing on evidence-informed practice, authentic therapeutic connection, and translating complex clinical knowledge into real-world application.

Contact Information:

Howard Harris & Associates, LLC

2795 Main St. W Suite 19A

Snellville, GA 30078

678-775-8620

info@howardharrisassociates.com

www.howardharrisassociates.com