Creating Pathways to Zero: The Roadmap for Implementing Suicide Prevention in Care Settings

Body of Abstract: Suicide prevention is a critical mission that every healthcare and behavioral health provider can impact. Creating a comprehensive care pathway for suicide screening, treatment, and follow-up is essential for improving outcomes for individuals at risk. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the process of how a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designed and implemented such a pathway, offering practical tools and strategies for success.

The session will address lessons learned and common challenges in developing a clinical care pathway, including securing organizational buy-in, managing limited resources, and aligning with evidence-based practices. Participants will gain insights into overcoming these barriers and creating sustainable, effective suicide prevention programs.

Presenters will showcase integrated care models, including CCBHCs, which promote access to high-quality mental health and substance use care, including 24/7 crisis services. These models provide valuable frameworks for strengthening suicide prevention efforts by coordinating care across the full spectrum of services.

Participants will leave with actionable steps to implement a suicide prevention pathway in their organizations, including how to evaluate existing workflows and incorporate key elements of the Zero Suicide model.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss strategies to overcome common challenges in implementing suicide prevention programs, such as securing organizational buy-in, managing limited resources, and aligning with evidence-based practices.
• Assess their current clinical workflows and documentation practices, identifying areas for improvement in suicide prevention efforts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based models, including the Zero Suicide framework and integrated care models (e.g., CCBHCs).