CALM Suicide Prevention Training

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) is a course that can help you feel prepared to talk with people about means safety. Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk of suicide lives or dies. This course is about how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to work with people at risk for suicide—and their families—to reduce access.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
• Explain that reducing access to lethal means is an evidence-based strategy for suicide prevention.
• Explain how reducing access to lethal means can prevent suicide.
• Identify clients for whom lethal means counseling is appropriate.
• Describe strategies for raising the topic of lethal means and feel more comfortable and competent applying these strategies with clients.
• Advise clients on specific off-site and in-home secure storage options for firearms and strategies to limit access to dangerous medications.
• Work with your clients and their families to develop a specific plan to reduce access to lethal means and follow up on the plan over time.
While this course is primarily designed for mental health professionals, others who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals, may also benefit.
*Please note this course is designed for public health information purposes only and is not designed to assess, screen, diagnose or treat any mental or physical health condition. If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) to receive qualified support and care.