Suicide Risk Factors Every Psychologist Should Know
- Amanda Moses Psychology
- Feb 4, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Suicide prevention is an essential skill for all mental health professionals. As a provisional psychologist, psychology registrar, or newly registered psychologist, understanding suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and intervention can literally save lives.
Video Summary: Key Suicide Risk Factors
To support psychologists in recognising risk factors for suicide, I have created a short video summary covering some of the key factors that elevate a person’s risk. Many early-career psychologists may be unaware of these critical indicators in clinical practice.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-49. This makes comprehensive risk assessment and intervention strategies vital for all mental health professionals. I strongly advocate for appropriate training in suicide prevention to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the support they need.
Why Suicide Risk Assessment is Critical for Psychologists
Assessing suicide risk requires more than just completing a checklist. It involves:
✔ Recognising key risk factors and warning signs
✔ Conducting a comprehensive suicide risk assessment
✔ Implementing evidence-based safety planning
✔ Applying structured treatment approaches
Many early-career psychologists feel uncertain about how to manage high-risk clients. That’s why it’s essential to develop strong competencies in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and risk management.
Upskill in Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Based Training
If you’re looking to enhance your skills in suicide risk assessment and intervention, I have an on-demand training that provides practical, evidence-based strategies.
📌 What You’ll Learn:
How to conduct suicide risk assessments effectively
How to develop safety plans that actually work
A structured 10-session treatment protocol for suicidality
Insights from CBT for suicide prevention, based on Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s approach
This training is based on my experience training at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, where I studied the CBT protocol for suicidality. If you’re serious about improving your clinical competency in this area, you can access the full workshop recording here.
Final Thoughts
Suicide prevention is a critical area of training for all psychologists. Whether you are a provisional psychologist or are already in practice, understanding suicide risk assessment and intervention is an essential skill.
By learning evidence-based suicide prevention strategies, you can help reduce risk, support clients in crisis, and build confidence in managing high-risk cases.
✨ Want to enhance your clinical skills? Check out my on-demand CPD courses and clinical templates.
