AUTHORS:
Laura L. Gallo, Department of Counselor Education, University of Iowa
Megan M. Buning, Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching, Florida State University
Meredith A. Rausch, Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling
Kayla Kemp, Department of Counselor Education, University of Iowa
ABSTRACT:
Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for youth in the United States. However, school counselors across the country struggle with how to support students experiencing suicidal ideation (Granello & Zyromski, 2019). We conducted an embedded mixed methods needs assessment with practicing school counselors across twenty-four states and one U.S. territory regarding their suicide risk assessment needs, incorporating descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Participants identified areas of concern relating to suicide risk assessment protocols, risk assessment tools, and a need for more professional development. We provide findings, strategies, and resources related to suicide assessment training, suicide risk protocols, and understanding the legal and ethical implications of suicide assessment tools.