Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Please note: We have moved to the Benchmark Learning Management System for this training. To register, create your account or log in here, then either search for your desired training or come back here and click "Register" to be taken directly to the event page. For more information or help, please refer to this user guide.

Course Description:

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), in partnership with the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, is pleased to announce the upcoming “Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)”. ASIST is the most widely used intervention skills training in the US. This 2-day intensive, interactive, and hands-on course is designed to equip caregivers with the skills needed to recognize suicide risk, intervene to prevent immediate harm, and help individuals at risk participate in safety planning whenever possible.

Just as CPR skills make physical first aid possible, ASIST teaches the skills used in suicide prevention first aid. ASIST is widely used by individuals in various community roles. It is for all caregivers (any person in a position of trust, regardless of the age group served). Typical participants include counselors, case workers, law enforcement officers, probation and corrections officers, clergy, college and K12 staff, and any 'natural helper' working in the human services field.

Thanks to the generous support of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, this training will be offered at no cost to participants working in Virginia. ASIST training typically costs $275; all training materials will be provided. Space is limited to 30 participants.

Who Should Attend?

This training is intended for campus law enforcement, campus security officers, school resource officers, school security officers, municipal law enforcement with a connection to institutions of higher education, and campus staff who lead and provide prevention services for students on their campuses.

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for law enforcement officers is available.

Travel, Lodging, and Meals:

Transportation, lodging, and meals are the participant's responsibility.

Training Time and Details:

Sign-in begins at 8:00 am
Training begins at 8:30 am and concludes at 4:30 pm each day.

Cost and Registration:

There is no registration fee to attend this training; however, pre-registration is required.  Seats are limited to 30 students per training.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.