AS+K About Suicide to Save a Life: Basic Gatekeeper Training

How to access the program?

Visit https://texassuicideprevention.org/training/in-person-training-options/ to review in person training options or https://texassuicideprevention.org/training/ask-basic-gatekeeper/ to review online training options.

What is the program? 

ASK about Suicide to Save a Life is a 1.5 to 4-hour workshop for adults who interact with youth or adults at risk for suicide. The program provides participants with an overview of the basic epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behavior, including risk and protective factors. Participants are trained to recognize warning signs—behaviors and characteristics that might indicate elevated risk for suicidal behavior—and how to intervene with a person they think might be at risk for suicide. Using role-playing, participants practice asking other participants about suicidal thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Participants are trained to respond to someone expressing direct suicidal communication by seeking emergency care. Participants are also trained to gather more information about a person’s risk and take action consistent with that risk if they identify a person who is not acutely suicidal. In longer workshops, participants are given Texas laws related to suicide and trained to access best practice suicide prevention information online.  Length of the training depends on which training modules are used. 

Who is the program for? 

This training is designed for all adults including but not limited to teachers, school counselors, administrators, other educators, and school staff.  

How is this program implemented? 

Any school personnel trained in the ASK About Suicide to Save a Life gatekeeper training can use the knowledge and skills gained in the training throughout their daily activities.  

What is the practice that is supported? 

A gatekeeper is someone who is able to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Gatekeeper training teaches people to identify individuals who are showing warning signs of suicide risks and help these individuals get the mental health services they need. Gatekeeper training improves the skills, confidence, and willingness to help those in distress. Gatekeeper trainings are for public health information purposes and are not intended to take the place of assessments, screening, diagnoses, or treatment of any mental health issues.  

What outcomes does the program produce? 

• Increase in awareness of suicide warning signs 
• Increase in awareness of resources for help related to suicide risk 
• Increase in student referrals for suicide concern 
• Improve skills, knowledge, and attitudes for suicide prevention 

What is the evidence? 

Condron, Susan. (2015) Identifying and Referring Youths at Risk for Suicide Following Participation in School‐Based Gatekeeper Training—Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior—Wiley Online Library. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sltb.12142 

Using survey data of over 136,000 individuals (teachers, service providers, parents/caregivers) collected from school-based gatekeeper trainings, this study examined the effectiveness of the trainings to increase knowledge and skills to identify youths at risk of suicide. The results showed that while the knowledge of those in gatekeeper trainings increased, the number of referrals of at-risks youth depended on length of training and time spent with the youth. Additionally, between half and two-thirds of youth identified by trainees were receiving services at the 3 month follow up of training.  

Reis, C., & Cornell, D. (2008). An Evaluation of Suicide Gatekeeper Training for School Counselors and Teachers. Professional School Counseling, 11(6), 2156759X0801100605. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X0801100605 

In this study, researchers evaluated the impact of gatekeeper trainings on suicide knowledge and prevention practices among teachers and counselors. Survey results were compared between a group that received gatekeeper training and a control group not receiving training. Results showed that difference in the number of student referrals made between teachers and counselors was smaller in the trainee group than the control group. This study also showed that school staff attending gatekeeper training reported more knowledge of suicide risks factors.  

What are the costs associated with implementing this program? 

Please contact the program for the most recent costs and commitments, as these may change. 

In person training is free of charge. There are trainers around the state embedded in local communities. Contact admin@texassuicideprevention.org for more information on workshops. Free registration for the AS+K Basic Gatekeeper training is also available online. 

What resources are helpful for understanding this practice/tool? 

• Sign-up for in person training: https://texassuicideprevention.org/training/in-person-training-options/ 
• Sign-up for AS+K Basic online training: https://texassuicideprevention.org/training/ask-basic-gatekeeper/ 
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center description: https://bpr.sprc.org/program/ask-about-suicide-to-save-a-life-gatekeeper-workshop/

Any training or interventions from this repository should be used in accordance with established staff development standards and adopted professional development policies of the Local Education Agency (LEA) per §21.451 and §21.4515 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) and the LEA’s suicide prevention policies and procedures pursuant to §38.351. While this training satisfies the statutory training requirements of §21.451(d)(3)(A), §21.451 (d-1)(1), §21.451 (d-2) and §38.351, it is best practice for staff to receive ongoing training which may include job embedded professional development, coaching opportunities and annual training. 

Rating: Research-Informed 

Secondary components: Grief and Trauma- Informed practices; Early Mental Health Prevention and Intervention; Positive, Safe, and Supportive School Climates