The Prevention of Suicide in Older Military Veterans (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:  This course explores the topic of suicidal behavior in older military veterans.  The course offers a literature review and identifies the unique experiences and challenges that older veterans face, which may include psychiatric disorders, medical illnesses, and psychosocial stressors.  Suicide prevention efforts are identified and include medical and psychological treatment, safety planning, social help, family education, public education, lethal means restriction, and technology.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.

Reading:  The Prevention of Suicide in Older Military Veterans by Joshua Levine and Leo Sher; Behavioral Sciences

Supplemental Reading:  Safety Plan Quick Guide for Clinicians, VA.gov

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Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills and knowledge by examining suicide prevention in older military veterans.

Learning Objectives:  Describe the unique challenges facing older military veterans.  Identify suicide preventive interventions that can be utilized with older military veterans.  Identify a brief screening tool that may help identify veterans at risk for suicidal behavior.

Course Available Until: March 31, 2030.

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1: Which of the following is a term used to describe suicidal thoughts?
 
 
 
2: Suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors can be conceptualized as taking place over a linear continuum.
 
 
3: More than ________ of the US population has served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces.
 
 
 
 
4: Suicide rates among military service members and veterans have ________ over the last 20 years and exceed the current rate among civilians.
 
 
5: Research shows that approximately ________ of US military personnel who were deployed have a PTSD diagnosis.
 
 
 
 
6: Which medical conditions increase suicide risk in older veterans?
 
 
 
 
7: Which of the following is an example of a psychosocial stressor?
 
 
 
 
8: It is vital to educate medical professionals that not all suicidal patients including older veterans report suicidal ideation, intent, or plan to clinicians.
 
 
9: Question, Persuade, and Referral is one example of
 
 
 
 
10: Research shows that lethal means restriction is one of the most effective societal interventions for preventing suicides.
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: March 31, 2030.
Filed under: Clinical, Suicide Prevention, Veterans