Focus Fridays
recognizing
Risk
Equip yourself with the tools in suicide prevention to recognize those at risk.
The training series is designed for behavioral health professionals committed to making a difference in suicide prevention, empowering participants with cutting-edge strategies to identify and intervene effectively with high-risk populations and occupations.
What You'll Learn
Recognizing risk in behavioral health care.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Identify indicators of high-risk individuals.
Foster Supportive Environments
Create safe and supportive spaces for vulnerable communities.
Resources & Tools
Gain access to valuable research, tools, and resources to facilitate your work.
Upcoming Trainings
Recognizing Suicide Risk
in the Agriculture Population
Learn about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide among farmers and ranchers, and discover strategies for intervention and prevention. See Details
July 11, 2025,
8:30am - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Monica McConkey, LPC
YouthLine
Suicide Prevention and Intervention for Youth: YouthLine at Lines for Life
Learn skills and resources to support youth mental wellness, intervene in crises, and provide online support through social media, with insights from YouthLine's peer-to-peer help and outreach programs. See Details
August 8, 2025,
10:30am - 12:30pm CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Craig Leets, MA, YouthLine Deputy Director at Lines for Life; Mel Butterfield, MA, YouthLine Deputy Director for Central Oregon at Lines for Life
Suicide Prevention in LGBTQIA+ Communities
Affirming and Effective Approaches
Explore the unique risk and protective factors impacting LGBTQIA+ mental health and suicide prevention. See Details
August 22, 2025,
10:30am - 12:30pm CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Leah Post, LICSW
Dentistry and Mental Health
Discover the truth behind the high suicide rates among dentists and the importance of mental health in this community. See Details
September 12, 2025,
8:30am - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Woodstock Tom, DMD, Assistant Professor In Residence; Mageena Tom, LCSW
Intimate Partner Violence
Crisis Within: Understanding Suicide Risk in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Explore the research linking intimate partner violence (IPV) with suicidality among diverse victims and perpetrators, and discuss implications for practice. See Details
October 10, 2025,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Denise Hines, PhD
Hooah Am I?
Exploring how confusion of the term "veteran" impacts identity and leads to unnecessary suffering, increased shame, and suicide
Develop an integrated military identity to enhance belonging within both the Veteran community and broader society, reducing isolation and suicide risk. See Details
November 14, 2025,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Erich Roush, Psy.D.; Tamara Morris, Psy.D.
The Holidays and Suicide
Fact or Fiction
Explore the impact of holiday stress on suicide risk, uncovering facts and strategies to increase protective factors for those struggling with suicide ideation. See Details
November 21, 2025,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT
Suicidal Behaviors in Children
How DBT-C Can Mitigate Suicidal Behaviors in Children
Introduce DBT-C (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children) to clinicians, focusing on parenting strategies to mitigate self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other high-risk behaviors in children. See Details
December 12, 2025,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Lisa Dunham, LCSW; Brittany Hayes, MA, LPC, CSAC
Acquired Brain Injury & Suicide Risk
Dive into the critical connection between acquired brain injury (ABI) and suicidal ideation. See Details
January 9, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Alec Wendelboe
Correctional Settings
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk in Correctional Populations
Explore the complexities of suicide risk assessment in correctional settings. See Details
February 13, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Lesley Chapin, Psy.D.
Reducing Risk and Intellectual Disability
Advance your expertise in addressing the vulnerabilities of the intellectual and developmentally disabled community. See Details
March 13, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT
Motivational Interviewing
Listening to Understand When Clients are in Struggle
Implementing motivational interviewing basics, we will enhance our understanding of a client's mental health and develop a crisis/wellness plan. See Details
April 10, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Kim Davidson, LCSW
Construction Safety
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: The Next Dimension in Safety
Explore suicide risk factors in construction and educate leaders on protective measures to build a caring culture. See Details
May 8, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Sonya Bohmann
Suicidality in Geriatric Care
Unveiling the Silent Struggle
Enhance your skills in geriatric suicidality to identify risk factors, warning signs, interventions, best practices, self-care for providers, and resources. See Details
June 12, 2026,
8:30 - 10:30am CST Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Trainer(s): Todd Sigler, PsyD, LP, NCC
questions about Focus Friday series?
BHTP Trainer Liz Bartz can help. Contact Liz at 920-465-2361 or via email at bartze@uwgb.edu.