Mental health professionals can study violence, suicide

Fox Valley mental health professionals can learn about the risk assessment and management of suicide and violence in two University of Wisconsin–Madison seminars scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, June 26 and 27, in Appleton, Wis.

On June 26, David Mays, a forensic psychiatrist, will lead the seminar “Suicide: Risk Assessment and Management.” Topics include the latest research finding on suicide and risk-assessment, the professional’s responsibilities for protecting clients and the public, and documentation methods that demonstrate competence in assessing the risk for suicide.

Mays will focus on “Violence: Risk Assessment and Management” on June 27, so professionals can protect themselves from dangerous clients in mental health settings. Participants learn the latest information about legal expectations and clinical responsibilities, the theoretical basis of predicting and managing risk, and how to document a session in ways that minimize legal liability. Videotaped interviews with suicidal and violent clients demonstrate clinical findings

Both programs meet from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave., Appleton, and are approved for continuing education hours by several boards and associations.

For information about these Division of Continuing Studies programs, call (800) 442-4617 or e-mail mpickett@dcs.wisc.edu.