Learn the Skills to Help Prevent Suicide
The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop, developed by LivingWorks, is a two-day, highly interactive training program designed for caregivers, helping professionals, and community members who want to feel more comfortable, confident, and competent in helping prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
Suicide prevention requires more than recognizing warning signs. It also involves knowing how to engage in meaningful conversations, identify when someone may be at risk, and provide appropriate support to help keep them safe. ASIST training equips participants with practical intervention skills they can use when someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Over one million caregivers and helping professionals worldwide have participated in this internationally recognized program. Whether you work in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, or another helping profession, ASIST provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to intervene when someone may be at risk.
What to Expect from the ASIST Workshop
ASIST is a two-day, face-to-face, practice-oriented workshop that emphasizes active participation and experiential learning. Rather than focusing exclusively on theory, the training provides opportunities to learn, practice, and develop confidence in applying suicide intervention skills.
Throughout the workshop, participants will:
- Explore personal attitudes and beliefs about suicide and how these may influence their ability to provide support.
- Recognize signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
- Learn how to engage a person in a direct and meaningful conversation about suicide.
- Develop skills to understand the person’s situation and identify their immediate needs.
- Work collaboratively with someone at risk to develop a plan for safety.
- Practice intervention strategies through realistic scenarios and guided exercises.
- Learn how to connect individuals with appropriate support and resources.
The workshop incorporates powerful educational videos, small-group discussions, guided exercises, and practical skills development. Participants are encouraged to engage in an environment that is both challenging and psychologically safe, allowing them to explore difficult topics, ask questions, and practice new skills.
ASIST is based on adult learning principles and recognizes that people learn most effectively when they can connect new information with their existing knowledge and experiences. The emphasis on hands-on practice helps participants develop greater confidence in applying first aid skills in real-life situations.
Who Should Attend ASIST Training?
ASIST is designed for caregivers and individuals who may encounter someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, regardless of their professional background or previous experience with suicide prevention.
Participants may include:
- Healthcare professionals and behavioral health providers.
- Social workers and counselors.
- Interpreters and other professionals working in healthcare and community settings.
- Educators and school personnel.
- First responders and community support workers.
- Individuals involved in providing care and support to vulnerable populations.
No previous training is required. ASIST provides a structured learning experience for individuals who want to strengthen their ability to recognize and respond to an immediate risk of suicide.
For additional information about prevention and intervention resources, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Attendance and Training Requirements
ASIST is an intensive, two-day workshop. Participation in both full days is required to complete the training. Because the program relies heavily on interactive exercises, group discussions, and skills practice, partial attendance does not meet the workshop’s participation requirements.
Participants should plan to attend both days in their entirety and actively participate in the learning activities.
ASIST Refresher Training and Skill Maintenance
Intervention skills require ongoing practice and reinforcement. Some organizations have specific requirements concerning refresher training to maintain skills, qualifications, or internal training status. If you completed your initial ASIST workshop through an employer or another organization, check with that organization first to determine its retraining requirements.
As a general recommendation, LivingWorks ASIST TuneUp is a half-day refresher workshop suggested within three years of completing the initial ASIST training. The full two-day ASIST workshop is generally recommended again every five years to reinforce intervention skills and maintain familiarity with the ASIST approach.
Regular refresher training helps participants revisit essential concepts, strengthen their intervention skills, and remain confident in responding to individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Invest in Skills That Can Save Lives
Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Having the confidence and competence to recognize suicide risk and engage someone in a supportive conversation can make a meaningful difference.
ASIST training provides practical suicide intervention skills that can be applied in professional and community settings. By learning how to recognize risk, connect with someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, and collaborate on a plan for safety, participants become better equipped to offer meaningful support when it matters most.
Contact REACH to learn more about upcoming ASIST workshops and training opportunities.
If your organization is interested in setting up an ASIST in your area, please contact TrainingLounge@reach-diversity.com