Suicide in the military is a significant concern. The authors review empirical studies and use two case studies to illustrate the potential explanatory role of Joiner’s (2005) interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior that three variables – perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability for suicide – determine the risk of an individual engaging in a lethal suicide attempt. The case studies provide a framework within which to understand the phenomenon of suicide in the military and illustrate how the three variables might be affected in an active duty population post-deployment.

Format: Asynchronous, 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 Jun 10, 2025.

Michael D. Anestis and Thomas E. Joiner are affiliated with Florida State University. Craig J. Bryan and Michelle M. Cornette are affiliated with Wilford Hall Medical Center; Dr. Cornette is also affiliated with the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Thomas E. Joiner, Florida State University, Department of Psychology, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4301.

Source: Journal of Mental Health Counseling
Volume 31/Number 1/January 2009
Used with permission of AMHCA

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.