Postgraduate certificate Assessment of Suicidal Behavior

Suicide is a public health problem with a significant impact on society and health systems. In this sense, early detection of suicidal risk is fundamental for its prevention, requiring a structured clinical approach based on validated diagnostic tools. For this reason, clinicians require a comprehensive understanding of the identification of risk factors, the application of psychometric scales and clinical decision making for timely intervention. With this in mind, TECH has created a pioneering university program focused on the Assessment of Suicidal Behavior. It is also based on a flexible and fully online modality.

University certificate

duration

6 weeks

Modality

Online

Schedule

At your own pace

Exams

Online

start date

Credits

6 ECTS

financing up to

3 months

Price(first year)

See price

The world's largest faculty of medicine”

Introduction to the Program

Through this 100% online Postgraduate certificate, you will master the identification of warning signs and risk factors that indicate imminent suicidal behavior”

A new report published by the World Health Organization estimates that more than 90% of people who die by Suicide have at least one underlying Psychiatric Disorder, with Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia being the most prevalent diagnoses. Given this situation, Suicide Risk Assessment in psychiatric patients is crucial for prevention. Given this, specialists have the responsibility to master clinical assessment methods, the use of validated psychometric scales and the application of early intervention protocols to identify warning signs and establish effective prevention strategies.

In this scenario, TECH presents an innovative Postgraduate certificate in Assessment of Suicidal Behavior. Designed by renowned experts in this area, the academic itinerary will delve into the early identification of different risk factors for self-injurious behaviors. At the same time, the syllabus will provide professionals with the keys to optimally handle various psychometric tools such as the Beck Depression Scale. Also, the teaching materials will delve into the most modern techniques for detecting suicidal risk in patients from different population groups. Thanks to this, graduates will be able to perform accurate clinical assessments, optimizing the early detection and management of suicidal behavior in different health contexts.

On the other hand, the university program is based on a 100% online methodology, so that physicians can comfortably complete the program. The only thing they will need to access the academic syllabus will be a device with Internet access. In addition, TECH employs the state-of-the-art Relearning system, which guarantees a progressive and natural updating of knowledge. In addition, graduates will find in the Virtual Campus a wide range of multimedia resources such as detailed videos, interactive summaries or readings based on the latest scientific evidence.

Optimize decision making in the evaluation of suicidal risk, prioritizing the safety of users and their environment”

This Postgraduate certificate in Assessment of Suicidal Behavior contains the most complete and up-to-date scientific program on the market. Its most notable features are:

The development of practical cases presented by experts in Epidemiology and Preventive Planning of Suicidal Behavior
The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
Practical exercises where the self-assessment process can be carried out to improve learning
Its special emphasis on innovative methodologies in medical practice
Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

You will implement early intervention protocols, establishing follow-up strategies for patients at risk of self-injurious behaviors”

It includes in its teaching staff professionals belonging to the field of Suicidal Behavior Assessment, who pour into this program the experience of their work, as well as recognized specialists from reference societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide an immersive learning experience designed to prepare for real-life situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the student must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

You will be able to identify psychiatric and medical disorders associated with suicide, differentiating their implications in clinical evaluation"

A curriculum based on TECH's disruptive Relearning system, which will facilitate the assimilation of complex concepts in an immediate and flexible way"

Syllabus

The teaching contents that integrate this university program have been elaborated by renowned specialists in the Assessment of Suicidal Behavior. In this way, the syllabus will delve into the identification of risk factors in self-injurious behavior. Also, the syllabus will delve into the use of state-of-the-art psychometric tools such as the Beck Depression Scale. Thanks to this, physicians will be able to perform accurate and evidence-based assessments, allowing them to detect suicidal risk more effectively. They will also be able to design personalized intervention plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

You will apply sophisticated assessment and diagnostic tools to detect suicidal risk in patients from different population groups”

Module 1. Assessment of Suicidal Behavior

1.1. Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior

1.1.1. Clinical and Psychiatric Factors
1.1.2. Sociodemographic Factors
1.1.3. Situational Factors
1.1.4. Specific Risks in Vulnerable Populations

1.2. Protective Factors

1.2.1. Strong Interpersonal Relationships
1.2.2. Coping Capacity and Resilience
1.2.3. Access to Mental Health Services
1.2.4. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

1.3. Warning Factors

1.3.1. Behavioral Signals
1.3.2. Emotional Changes
1.3.3. Verbal Clues
1.3.4. Pre-Suicide Preparations

1.4. Precipitating Factors

1.4.1. Recent Traumatic Events
1.4.2. Financial or Employment Crises
1.4.3. Sudden Life Events
1.4.4. Factors Related to Physical Health

1.5. Assessment Scales and Psychometric Tools

1.5.1. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
1.5.2. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
1.5.3. Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS)
1.5.4. Self-Assessment vs. Heteroassessment Scales

1.6. Psychometrics in Suicide

1.6.1. Validity and Reliability of Psychometric Tools
1.6.2. Sensitivity and Specificity in the Detection of Risk
1.6.3. Adaptation of Psychometric Tools for Specific Populations
1.6.4. New Technologies in Psychometrics

1.7. The Clinical Interview 1

1.7.1. Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship
1.7.2. Open and Closed Questions
1.7.3. Detection of Non-Verbal Signals
1.7.4. Initial Exploration of Suicidal Thoughts

1.8. The Clinical Interview 2

1.8.1. Assessment of the Suicidal Plan
1.8.2. Exploration of Protective Factors and Ambivalence
1.8.3. Short- and Long-Term Risk Analysis
1.8.4. Risk Documentation and Communication

1.9. Context-Sensitive Assessment of Suicide

1.9.1. Suicide in the Hospital Context
1.9.2. Assessment in the Emergency Department
1.9.3. Assessment in Community Settings
1.9.4. Family and Social Context

1.10. What Not to Do in the Assessment of Suicidal Behavior

1.10.1. Avoid Minimizing the Patient's Feelings
1.10.2. Do Not Prejudge or Stigmatize
1.10.3. Do Not Avoid Talking Directly about Suicide
1.10.4. Do Not Fail to Follow Up Adequately

You will have unrestricted access to all educational content and you will be able to download it whenever you want to consult it”

Postgraduate Certificate in Assessment of Suicidal Behavior

Suicidal behavior is a public health problem that requires a multidisciplinary and specialized approach. In this context, psychiatry and psychology play a key role in the early detection and appropriate management of people at risk. Aware of the need to expand knowledge in this area, TECH has developed this innovative Postgraduate Certificate that will provide specialized tools for the assessment of suicidal behavior. During this program, taught 100% online, you will analyze the most current models of suicide detection and prevention, as well as the most effective therapeutic strategies to intervene in high-risk cases. You will then delve into the epidemiology of suicide and its impact on different population groups, addressing biological, psychological and social factors that influence its occurrence. You will also delve into the most advanced techniques for the assessment of suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance use and other psychiatric conditions. In this way, you will develop personalized intervention strategies tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Specialize with this Postgraduate Certificate in Assessment of Suicide Behavior

TECH offers a flexible and innovative platform that will allow you to advance in your specialization with autonomy and comfort. Thanks to the online modality, you will have access to updated content and high-level didactic material, adapted to the demands of the clinical setting. As you progress through the curriculum, you will address the use of assessment scales such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), as well as clinical models that allow for accurate interpretation of risk and protective factors. In addition, you will explore the impact of trauma and stress on suicidal ideation, allowing you to understand the importance of early intervention and ongoing follow-up of patients at risk. Finally, you will analyze crisis intervention protocols and coordination with multidisciplinary teams for the care of severe cases. From this, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to apply effective strategies in the evaluation of suicidal behavior, strengthening your professional profile and providing concrete solutions in the fight against this serious public health problem. Make the decision and enroll now!