Event Details

CE Program/Activity
 Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C SSRS) Changes and Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE): Preparing Staff for Timely and Appropriate Management of Safety and Risk Evaluations.
Provider
 VA West Palm Beach VA Health Care System
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Location
 West Palm Beach, FL
Date(s)
 October 29, 2026 - October 29, 2026 - 11:00-12:00 EST
CE Hours
 1
Contact Information
 Margaret Spanks at Margaret.Spanks@va.gov
Registration Information
 Margaret Spanks Margaret.Spanks@va.gov
Fees
 NA
Description of CE Program/Activity
 The purpose of this training is to introduce updates to the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C SSRS) and the VA Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE), with a focus on timely, appropriate, and standardized assessment of suicide risk for Veterans. The C SSRS is an evidence-supported tool that uses a series of simple, plain language questions to identify the presence and severity of suicidal ideation and behavior, and to guide determination of suicide risk level.Within VA s Risk ID process, a positive C SSRS screen requires a CSRE by a licensed independent clinician to further assess suicidal ideation and behavior, warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors. This session will help staff understand how to use the C SSRS and CSRE together to improve safety planning, enhance coordination of care, and support Veterans.This presentation is geared to provide practical, scenario based training so that interdisciplinary staff can confidently conduct suicide risk evaluations, document findings, and initiate appropriate safety and follow up actions. The goal is to strengthen staff skills in recognizing risk, responding promptly, and collaborating with the Suicide Prevention Team to support Veterans at risk of suicide.