Judy McGehee, LMFT        Sherry Shockey-Pope, LMFT

Suicide rates continue to rise globally, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. As therapists, we know we should assess for suicidality, and we create a plan for treatment, but having a suicidal client in our office can elicit fear, worry, and anxiety. We understand the seriousness of the situation; however, there are many myths about suicide.  Therapists worry they are not knowledgeable enough; they are fearful of saying the wrong thing or worse yet, not asking the right questions. Therapists wonder what assessment to use; we ponder about our liability and where to send our client for more intensive services.

Therapists often feel unprepared and unequipped to deal with the challenges of treating a suicidal client. Research shows that often that client ends up being passed from therapist to therapist without ever receiving optimal care or even the basics of the standard of care.

When Judy and Sherry heard that there was a new requirement for suicide assessment and intervention, they wanted to create a class that they would sit through and learn usable, valuable information. They wanted to create a class that was chock full of information and would allow for participants to practice new skills. This class will not be boring, and when you leave, you will feel confident in your ability to know how to keep your clients safe. 

This 6-unit CEU class will address those concerns and will satisfy the California State Requirement for Assembly Bill 1436. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Discuss current research findings and statistical data for suicides in the United States.
• Name at least 3 high-risk groups based on current research Identify at least two global facts about suicide
• Describe two preventative factors to reduce suicide risk with clients
  
• Identify and apply at least one assessment tool for clients
• Create safety plans for clients who present with a high risk of suicide
• Understand and Identify the risk of suicide for school-based populations
• Identify the laws that govern this profession concerning suicide clients
• Develop knowledge and understanding of how suicide affects therapists
• Describe the cultural differences for suicide rates among populations
  

About the Presenters

Judy McGehee, LMFT, has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past twenty-five years. She began working with families in church settings, schools, and addiction treatment Centers. Judy loves working with clients and supervising associate therapists. She has a passion for teaching, and she has mentored over 500 interns/associates. Judy received her Master’s Degree from Phillips Graduate Institute. Judy has worked in many settings, including psychiatric hospitals, children’s centers, private practice, and schools. Currently, Judy is employed as a supervising therapist at Central Counseling Services.

Sherry Shockey-Pope, LMFT, is an author and speaker with twenty years of experience as a therapist. She is Co-owner and Chief of Operations of Central Counseling services, a vibrant group practice. Sherry oversees the day-to-day operations, sees clients, and provides supervision for associates.

CEU Certificates

• Course meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

• East Bay Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #52488) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs.  East Bay Chapter of CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Please note: Certificates of Completion will be awarded after the completion of the workshop to those who attend the workshop in its entirety, complete the course evaluation form, and pass the test with a score of 70% or higher.

Registration:

We invite non-members to consider joining East Bay CAMFT. See Member pricing. 

• Licensed Membership Fee: $60/annually
  
• Pre-Licensed Associate/Student/Retired Membership Fee: $35/annually

**IMPORTANT REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY**  

You may cancel for a 50% refund between 5 and 15 days in advance of the event. No refunds for cancellations within 5 days of the event or for no-shows or failure to attend due to emergencies.  Unused funds cannot be applied to future events. NO EXCEPTIONS!  If the event is cancelled for any reason, you will receive a full refund.  

**By registering for the event you agree to the terms of the Cancellation/Refund Policy**

For general information, special needs, ADA accommodations, or grievances: Please contact Sandy at admin@ebcamft.org.  You will receive a response within 24 hours.  Note: Deadline for requesting ADA accommodations is two weeks prior to the workshop so that we may have time to properly accommodate you.