Session 5: Risk of Imminent Harm through Self-Injurious Behaviors or Lethal Means

In this session, participants will learn how to recognize and assess non-suicidal self-injury and other self-injurious behaviors, as well as assess intent using the SOARS model. (SOARS: Suicidal Ideation; Onset, frequency, and methods; Aftercare; Reasons; and Stages of change) (Westers et al., 2023).

The trainer will demonstrate communication strategies to use with clients or patients:

1. Common means, including lethality and impulsivity;
   1. Objects, substances, and actions commonly used in suicide attempts;
      1. Impulsivity and lethality of means;
      1. Communication strategies for talking with patients and their support people about lethal means restriction; and

The session will finish by underscoring how screening for and limiting access to lethal means prevents suicide.