How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention Can Improve Clinical Outcomes

Many mental health professionals understand the importance of suicide risk assessment, but structured approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) can be transformative in everyday practice. Unlike general CBT or crisis intervention alone, CBT-SP is specifically designed to address suicide-related thoughts and behaviors through a targeted, research-backed structure.

At its core, CBT-SP helps clinicians:

• Identify triggers and pathways that contribute to suicidal ideation.

• Collaborate with clients to challenge underlying beliefs that maintain risk.

• Build individualized safety plans that clients can use between sessions.

• Incorporate relapse prevention planning into ongoing therapy.

Research supports the feasibility and structured nature of CBT-SP, making it a valuable approach for clinicians who work with clients at elevated risk.

The Practical Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) Training

Learning the principles of CBT-SP can have benefits beyond formal protocols. Even when clinicians do not deliver the full model in every case, the skills gained from evidence-based suicide prevention training can enhance:

• Risk assessment confidence

• Collaborative safety plan development

• Therapeutic rapport during difficult conversations

• Integration of cognitive and behavioral strategies to bolster client resilience

This perspective underscores why continuing education in suicide prevention is more than a licensure requirement — it’s a clinically meaningful investment in better outcomes for clients and clinicians alike.

If you are committed to elevating your practice and want structured tools that make a measurable difference, consider joining us for CBT for Suicide Prevention CE Training on March 6, 2026. This course offers 6.0 ASWB and NBCC CE Credit Hours accepted for most social workers, professional counselors, and mental health professionals across the US.

The course is presented by CBT-SP expert Dr. Lindsay Bornheimer. Dr. Bornheimer is an Associate Professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan Medicine, and Director of the Suicide prevention, Treatment, and Research (STaR) Lab in the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Seats are limited, CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today!