Safety Plan

Through this training, participants will learn to recognize warning signs, assess risk factors, and design practical, client-centered safety plans that provide clear, actionable steps for managing crises.

About This Course

This training on safety planning equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective safety plans for individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide. It covers the essential components of safety planning, how to identify when a safety plan is needed, and the steps to collaboratively develop a plan that meets the unique needs of each client. Through this training, participants will learn to recognize warning signs, assess risk factors, and design practical, client-centered safety plans that provide clear, actionable steps for managing crises.

Key Learning Objectives: 

  1. Define Safety Planning and Its Key Components: Gain a thorough understanding of what safety planning entails, including the essential elements that make a safety plan effective. Learn about the structure of a safety plan, its purpose, and the critical components that must be included to ensure it is practical and actionable.

  2. Identify Situations and Signs Indicating the Need for a Safety Plan: Develop the ability to recognize when a safety plan is necessary by identifying warning signs and situations that put individuals at increased risk of harm. Learn to assess various risk factors, such as suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, and mental health disorders that heighten the need for a safety plan.

  3. Demonstrate the Ability to Create an Effective and Useful Safety Plan: Acquire skills to collaboratively develop safety plans with clients, ensuring that the plans are tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Understand how to incorporate coping strategies, identify supportive resources, and establish clear, actionable steps that clients can take during a crisis.

Course admission requirements:

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

 

Enroll in Just this Course

MEET THE PRESENTER

Catherine Sims, LPC- Clinical Director

I believe that identification of how one’s environment, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings influence each other and understanding the role that they play in our lives is key to making changes and adopting a healthy perspective. I provide tailored and objective support to help navigate through life events and circumstances that have created conflict or caused unrest.

In 2006, I pursued a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA.  It was in this setting that my interest in trauma work was nurtured and encouraged.  I began my career in social services; gaining experience through the shelter and justice systems, as well as Community Mental Health.  During this time, I joined the American Red Cross as an active member of the local Disaster Action & Response team.  My connection with the Red Cross has lasted more than a decade and stretched across the country.  In 2010, I accepted an international position (Saudi Arabia) as a Psychology Instructor.  After returning to the United States, in 2015, I set up a private practice in Washington, DC.  In addition to my clinical work, since 2016 I have worked as a Regional Site Supervisor, an adjunct faculty member, and a masters-level supervisor to students enrolled at The Family Institute @ Northwestern University.  Currently, I am a multi-stated Licensed Professional Counselor (OR, NY, DC) and maintain a board certification in Telemental Health (BC-TMH, 2018).

My 15+ year career has afforded me the opportunity to develop integral clinical and administrative skills, a clear ethical code, strong cultural competency and humility, and a supervisory style that is supportive, collaborative, and strength-based.

Course Materials

  • Prerecorded Video: (60 minutes)
  • Presentation 
  • Handouts + Worksheet
  • Quiz 
  • Presentation Feedback Survey
  • Certificate of Completion*
*A passed quiz of at least 80% and a completed feedback survey required for certificate.  

Continuing Education (CE) hours 

 1 NBCC CE hours are available for licensed mental health providers. Please check with your licensing board to confirm that NBCC CE hours are accepted.

Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6912. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

Become a Member! 

A monthly subscription to ITTC’s Professional Learning Community, KALOS Includes: 

  • Unlimited Access to asynchronous courses and workshops with more being added all the time. 
  • Access to the Learning Community where you can connect with colleagues worldwide.  
  • Discounts on our live events like trainings, webinars, retreats, and our Trauma Summit.

 All courses offer continuing education credits unless otherwise indicated.

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