Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Clinicians often play an important role in deciding to access crisis services in private and public settings. This guide provides practical strategies for providers to help people understand when to use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for behavioral health support. This learning material is based on Advising People on Using 988 Versus 911: Practical Approaches for Healthcare Providers by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  The learning material offers clear explanations and real-world scenarios to educate social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists and address common concerns about 988 and 911 services. It also provides detailed actionable steps to help foster better outcomes and strengthen the continuum of care.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

  1. Differentiate the appropriate use of 988 and 911 as well as the varied roles of providers in behavioral health crises.
  2. Describe the benefits of using and services offered by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  3. Identify provider approaches, 988 and 911 procedures, and de-escalation techniques that support crisis care.

Course Syllabus

  • Chapter 1. Helping People Navigate 988 and 911 Decisions
  • Chapter 2. Explaining to People How, When, and Why to Use 988
  • Chapter 3. Supporting People in Knowing When to Use 988 or 911
  • References

Authors

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA leads public health efforts that advance the behavioral health of the nation. On samhsa.gov SAMHSA states that its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities in America.

William A. Cook, Ph.D.

William A. Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, 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: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 1 general continuing education credits.

NBCC

CE4Less.com has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6991. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE4Less.com is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.