Training mental healthcare providers to reduce at-risk patients' access to lethal means of suicide: evaluation of the CALM Project

Arch Suicide Res. 2011;15(3):259-64. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2011.589727.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the "CALM" (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) training, in which community-based mental health care providers were trained to work with at-risk clients and their families to assess and reduce access to lethal means of suicide, including firearms. In 2006, CALM trainers conducted workshops in 7 community-based mental health care centers in New Hampshire towns. Participants completed a post-test immediately after the workshop and a follow-up questionnaire approximately 6 weeks later. At follow-up, 65% reported that they had counseled clients' parents about access to lethal means (n = 111). Findings also indicate that the workshop influenced participants' attitudes, beliefs, and skills regarding conducting lethal means counseling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Health
  • Behavior Therapy / education*
  • Child
  • Community-Institutional Relations
  • Education, Medical, Continuing / methods*
  • Female
  • Firearms*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • New Hampshire
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Management / organization & administration
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control*