The goal of this guide is to provide interventions to treat for suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempts among youth. It provides research on implementation and examples of the ways that these recommendations can be implemented.

Publication Date: December 2020

Course material was sourced with approval from SAMHSA.

Format: Asynchronous, reading-based distance learning. Non-interactive.

NAADAC Online CE Completion limits: There is a limit of 8 hours (8 CE) of credit for online courses within a 24-hour period.

Click here to view our policy on Fees, Refunds, and Cancellations 

The course will be available in your account immediately after purchase. The Course Completion Certificate and Letter of Completion will be immediately available in your account upon successful completion of the course post-test (a score of 80% or higher) and completion of the course evaluation. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the post-test.

Do you have questions about this course? Do you require accessibility accommodations? Please visit our FAQ page or Contact Us and we'll be happy to help.

American Psychological Association (APA)

At Health, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. At Health, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

At Health, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6949. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. At Health, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals

Athealth.com is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Association for Addiction Professionals. #148460.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

At Health, LLC, Provider #1707, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 5/3/2023–5/3/2026.

Page last modified or reviewed by athealth.com on Mar 9, 2026.

This publication was developed with a significant contribution from Mary Cwik, PhD and Leigh Fischer, MPH. The guidance is based on the thoughtful input of SAMHSA staff and the Expert Panel on Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth from October 2019 through September 2020. A series of guide development meetings was held virtually over a period of several months. Three expert panel meetings were convened during this time.

SAMHSA Staff

Christine Cichetti, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory

Thomas Clarke, PhD, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory

Steven Dettwyler, PhD, National Mental Health Services*

Daniel Gallardo, MPH, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory*

Tanya Geiger, PhD, MPH, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory*

Donelle Johnson, PhD, MHSA, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory*

Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH, Center for Mental Health Services

EXPERT PANEL

Joan Asarnow, PhD, University of Los Angeles

Mary Cwik, PhD, John Hopkins University*

Kelly Davis, Mental Health America

Christianne Esposito-Smythers, PhD, George Mason University

David Goldstein, PhD, Duke University

Mike Hogan, PhD, Hogan Health Solutions, LLC

Cheryl King, PhD, University of Michigan

Michael Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH, New York University

Stephen O'Connor, PhD, National Institute of Mental Health

Mary Rooney, PhD, National Institute of Mental Health

Morton Silverman, PhD, Suicide Prevention Consultant

Anthony Spirito, PhD, Brown University

Deborah Stone, ScD, MSW, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Brian Thoma, PhD, University of Pittsburg

CONTRACT STAFF

Katherine Armstrong, AB, Abt Associates

Leigh Fischer, MPH, Abt Associates*

Margaret Gwaltney, MBA, Abt Associates*

Caroline Kupersmith, BA, Abt Associates

Cayla Roby, MA, MPH, Abt Associates

Sarah Steverman , PhD, MSW, Abt Associates*

Brandy Wyant, MPH, MSW, LCSW

Daniel Jefferson Smith, Abt Associates

Korrin Bishop, BS, Korrin Bishop Writing & Editing

*Members of the Guide Planning Team

To access and complete this course, your device must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Browser: A modern web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari — current or one version prior). Internet Explorer is not supported.
• JavaScript: JavaScript must be enabled in your browser settings to navigate lessons, take quizzes, and access course materials.
• PDF Viewer: A PDF viewer is required to open course handouts, transcripts, and certificates. Most browsers include a built-in PDF viewer; alternatively, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) can be used.
• Cookies: Cookies must be enabled to maintain your login session and save your course progress.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required. Video and audio courses may require higher bandwidth for smooth playback.

If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our support team for assistance.