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 applyingthese strategies with clients.
• Advise clients on specific off-site and in-home secure storage options for firearms and strategies to limitaccess to dangerous medications.
• Work with your clients and their families to develop a specific plan to reduce access to lethal means andfollow 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. This course can be
completed in approximately two hours. You do not have to complete the course in one session. You can exit the
course at any time and return later to the place where you left off.