The Basic Principles of Suicide Risk Management: How Do They Inform Best Practice Guidelines for Outpatient Mental Health Providers?

Presented by: Kurt Michael, Ph.D.

Course Descriptions

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize the current epidemiology of suicide in Utah and the United States, including trends and most common methods of death.
2. Describe the three core pillars of suicide risk management.
3. Identify best-practice strategies for reducing suicide risk in outpatient clinical settings.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Kurt Michael is a clinical psychologist and suicidologist with nationally recognized expertise in suicide prevention, postvention, lethal means safety, and rural mental health.

He currently leads postvention and lethal means safety consulting initiatives at The Jed Foundation (JED), a national suicide prevention nonprofit organization.

Prior to joining JED, Dr. Michael served as the Stanley R. Aeschleman Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Assistant Department Chair at Appalachian State University, where he developed a nationally recognized program in school and college mental health research and clinical training.

He maintains faculty appointments as:

• Adjunct Professor, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
• Research Professor, University of Oregon

Dr. Michael has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications addressing suicidality, depression, anxiety, and mental health systems in educational settings.

Key References

• Managing Suicide Risk – Jobes, D. A. (2023). Guilford Press.
• Jobes, D. A., & Berman, A. L. (1993). Professional Psychology: Research and Practice.
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (2018). Recommended Standard Care for People with Suicide Risk.

Registration:

Register on or before Early Bird registration date of Apri 24, 2026 for a discounted rate. 

Early Bird deadline: April 24, 2026

Members:

• On or before Early Bird Registration deadline: $75
• After Early Bird Registration deadline: $100

Non-Members

• On or before Early Bird Registration deadline: $125
• After Early Bird Registration deadline: $150

Students

• Student/Resident UPA Members: Free
• Non-members students on or Early Bird Registration deadline: $15
• Non-member students after Early Bird Registration deadline:  $20