PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program will review the essential elements of risk assessment in mental health settings. A detailed and thorough approach to risk assessment will be reviewed, one grounded in empirical science. Among the topics covered: establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, hierarchical questioning in the assessment of suicide risk, understanding risk formulation, and ongoing management of risk.  Video case examples and role play examples will be provided. This program is aimed at the intermediate skill level.

FACULTY: M. David Rudd, Ph.D., ABPP, is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Texas Tech University, with an adjunct appointment as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, while maintaining a part-time private practice in clinical psychology.  Dr. Rudd’s undergraduate degree is from Princeton University. He completed his doctoral training at the University of Texas-Austin and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cognitive therapy at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia under the direction of Aaron T. Beck. Dr. Rudd is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and a Fellow of three professional societies: the American Psychological Association (Division 12 and Division 29), the International Association of Suicide Research, and the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (a founding fellow). Dr. Rudd was recently elected a Distinguished Practitioner and Scholar of the National Academies of Practice in Psychology. In addition to his clinical work, he is an active researcher with over 150 publications. Dr. Rudd has authored several books, including Treating Suicidal Behavior (2001, Guilford, 2^nd printing in 2004); Suicide Science: Expanding the Boundaries (2001, Kluwer Academic Publishers; recently released, The Assessment and Management of Suicidality: A Pocket Guide (Professional Resource Press, 2006); and soon to be released, Clinical Work with Suicidal Patients (American Psychological Association). He also is a very active forensic reviewer for malpractice and negligence in suicide cases, taking cases from across the United States. Dr. Rudd serves on a number of editorial boards, is past Chair of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, President of the Texas Psychological Association, President of Division 12 Section VII of the American Psychological Association, is Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology, serves on the Board of Directors of Division 12 (clinical), APA, and was recently elected as the TPA representative to the APA Council of Representatives. Dr. Rudd conducts many national and international continuing education workshops providing training in the assessment and management of high risk patients to a broad array of healthcare professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, family physicians, social workers, and counselors.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• utilize a structured approach to suicide risk assessment,

• utilize a manner for establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance to
  facilitate the risk assessment process,

• accurately formulate risk and respond effectively to challenges of ongoing management.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Social Workers, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Other Interested Healthcare Professionals.

AGENDA:

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM          Registration and Sign-In

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM          Understanding Risk in Clinical Practice

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM          Establishing a Strong Therapeutic Alliance

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM          Afternoon Break

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM          Assessing Risk

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM          Risk Formulation

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM          Responding Effectively to Management Challenges
                                            Q & A

4:15 PM                            Program Closure

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 2.5 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

 [ APA ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 2.5 CE credits.

 [ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 2.5 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 2.5 contact hours.  Provider #5927.