ODL 315: Suicide Considerations in Older Adults

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

 1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work- 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners- 1 Contact Hour
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On: 12/11/2024     Revised On: 7/9/25

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups:

3. Treatment Plan
4. Counseling Services
6. Case Management

Overview:

While every age group is at risk for suicide, older adults are one of the most vulnerable groups. Those seniors above age 65 have a disproportionately higher risk of attempting suicide, as well as a higher lethality rate. This training will introduce learners to the proper assessment of risk level in seniors, ethical considerations, and how to facilitate managed risk plans with senior clients. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

1. Recognize etiology of suicide and end of life considerations in older adults.
2. Interpret ethical values of autonomy, dignity and beneficence as they relate to older adult suicide and end of life decisions.
3. Evaluate a care perspective on suicide and end of life care by applying the Social Work Assessment Tool (SWAT)

Presenter:

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW and owner of Diane Bigler Therapy Services, Inc. 

Diane Bigler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas. She has over 20 years of experience in the social services field. Diane has held positions as a therapist (in-home and outpatient), private practice owner, trainer/facilitator, clinical supervisor, and Professor of Social Work. She also has experience in corporate wellness training and coaching. Diane is most passionate about providing quality educational training to professionals. She enjoys spoiling her four Dachshunds and anything 80’s related.