An evaluation of the core competency suicide prevention training program for university health service providers

Despite advances in suicide risk assessment and intervention, evidence-based suicide prevention training for university health service providers is still lacking. This study evaluated the core competency model of suicide prevention training for an interdisciplinary sample of university counseling and student health providers (N = 21). Training was delivered in a half-day workshop format. Participants completed a pre-post training assessment survey. Student health provider risk screening practices were also assessed in the time-period preceding and following training implementation. Consistent with expectations, training yielded significant and robust improvements in providers’ perceived suicide prevention skills and suicide prevention knowledge. However, suicide prevention attitudes and clinical response recognition did not reliably improve. Training was also associated with a greater frequency of student health service providers’ mental health screening administration. The core competency model demonstrates promise as an evidence-informed training program for university counseling center and student health providers.