Lethal Means Counseling for Suicide Prevention-View Presentation

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The SMI Advisor hosted a webinar on lethal means counseling for suicide prevention, led by Dr. Craig Bryan from The Ohio State University. This session aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the significance and implementation of lethal means counseling in clinical settings. The approach is based on motivational interviewing and focuses on high-risk suicide methods, particularly firearms, due to their lethality and the anxiety they pose for healthcare professionals. Dr. Bryan explained that reducing access to lethal means can decrease suicide rates, even if suicidal behaviors occur, by increasing the survival chances of attempts. He cited evidence supporting this approach from global initiatives that reduced suicide rates by restricting access to dangerous methods. In clinical practice, counseling involves engaging patients in discussions about the risks of easy access to lethal means and explores safe storage options, such as firearm locks. The session highlighted the rarity of lethal means counseling in healthcare but affirmed its importance and efficacy in suicide prevention. The webinar demonstrated techniques for counseling and offered practical guidance for discussing firearm storage with patients, emphasizing collaborative goal-setting for safer environments. Participants were encouraged to employ motivational interviewing techniques and to regard lethal means counseling as integral to comprehensive suicide prevention strategies. The importance of documentation and best practices were also addressed, alongside available resources for clinicians and patients.

Keywords

lethal means counseling

suicide prevention

motivational interviewing

firearms

Dr. Craig Bryan

Ohio State University

clinical settings

firearm storage

suicide rates

healthcare professionals