Ethical Considerations in Suicide Risk Assessment and Treatment
October 24, 2025 9:00am-12:15pm (Pacific Time)
w/ Amy House, PhD
Online
About The Workshop
Effectively responding to suicide risk is one of the most ethically complex and clinically challenging responsibilities for mental health professionals. This workshop provides a practical exploration of ethical principles in assessing, conceptualizing, and treating suicide risk. Framed within a functional contextual perspective, we will examine key elements of effective, evidence-based interventions and explore how stigma, discrimination, and diverse identities shape risk and treatment. Through case examples, guided discussions, and experiential exercises, participants will build confidence in navigating difficult decisions and applying ethical reasoning in real-world clinical scenarios.
Meet Your Instructor
Amy House, Ph.D.
Amy House, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Health Behavior at Augusta University Medical College of Georgia. She has over 20 years of experience in the treatment of borderline personality disorder and traumatic stress, and she has a passion for helping people who struggle with severe emotion dysregulation, suicidality, and self-harm behaviors. She also has particular interests in mindfulness, burnout prevention, and women's mental health. She is dedicated to training others in evidence-based psychotherapy, and specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is director of the Augusta DBT Program and has facilitated peer consultation groups for both ACT and DBT for many years.
AUDIENCE
This workshop will focus on ethical principles and ethical decision-making for therapists working in an outpatient setting who encounter potential suicide risk. Therapists (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc.) at any level of expertise working with adults in outpatient settings may benefit.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL
Introductory-Intermediate
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Describe ethical implications of conceptualizations of suicidal behavior.
- Describe the current standard of care in suicide risk management.
- Discuss ethical principles to be considered in ethical decision-making related to the use of hospitalization of patients at risk for suicide.
- Describe the common elements of evidence-based suicide interventions.
REGISTRATION
Registration is online. Presentations will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers for the event.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority to those who would add diverse and underrepresented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
This workshop grants 3 CE credits for therapists with the purchase of Professionals with CE Certificate ticket and live attendance of the entire workshop. Credit will not be given for only watching the recording.
Refund/cancellation policy:
We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made more than one week before the training event. For cancellations within one week of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. Alternately, participants may elect to apply 100% of their tuition to a future training event. No refunds will be given after training events.
Special Accommodations :
Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
