Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Learn how to recognize suicide risk and support immediate safety.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) uses powerful audiovisuals, discussions and simulations to help participants recognize when someone may be at risk of suicide and work with that person to develop a plan that supports immediate safety.
Two knowledgeable and supportive trainers guide participants through the course, helping create a learning environment where difficult conversations and practical intervention skills can be explored safely.
Build confidence in suicide intervention and safety planning.
The workshop combines practical intervention skills with reflection on attitudes, community resources, life-promotion and self-care.
Understand Attitudes Toward Suicide
Explore how personal and societal attitudes can shape views on suicide and influence intervention.
Recognize Suicide Risk
Build greater awareness of when someone may be at risk and may need direct, immediate support.
Provide Suicide First-Aid
Learn how to provide guidance and suicide first-aid while responding to the individual's specific safety needs.
Develop a Safety Plan
Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to put it into practice.
Strengthen Community Support
Understand the value of improving and integrating suicide-prevention resources within the wider community.
Support Life-Promotion & Self-Care
Recognize the importance of life-promotion and helper self-care as part of sustainable suicide-prevention practice.
Move from recognition to safety through a structured intervention process.
ASIST helps participants connect recognition, direct conversation and collaborative safety planning into a practical response.
Recognize & Engage
Notice possible suicide risk and create space for a direct, supportive conversation.
Understand Safety Needs
Listen carefully and identify the individual's immediate needs, concerns and supports.
Plan for Safety
Work collaboratively to identify concrete actions and resources that can support immediate safety.
Practise the skills before you need them.
CTI's ASIST program uses a mix of guided learning and practical exercises to help participants build confidence applying suicide-intervention skills.
Certificate & International Recognition
Participants receive a certificate upon completion. ASIST was developed by LivingWorks Education and CTI identifies it as an internationally recognized standard for suicide-intervention training.
Bring ASIST training to your staff or professional team.
ASIST can support organizations whose staff may encounter people experiencing suicide risk in community, social-service, education, healthcare, workplace or crisis-support environments.
Organizational delivery can help teams develop a shared approach to recognizing risk, providing suicide first-aid, creating safety plans and connecting people with appropriate supports.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) FAQs
Find answers to common questions about ASIST training, course content, certification, and who should attend.
What does ASIST stand for?
ASIST stands for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. It is an interactive training program designed to help participants recognize when someone may be at risk of suicide and provide appropriate support.
Who should take ASIST training?
ASIST is designed for people who may encounter individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide, including professionals, community members, caregivers, educators, first responders and support workers.
Do I need previous mental health training?
No previous mental health or suicide prevention training is required to participate in ASIST.
What will I learn during ASIST training?
Participants learn how to recognize signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, have conversations about suicide, assess immediate concerns and work collaboratively to create a plan for safety.
Does ASIST include safety planning?
Yes. A key component of ASIST is learning how to work collaboratively with a person at risk to develop a plan that supports their immediate safety.
Is ASIST training interactive?
Yes. The training includes discussions, demonstrations and practical exercises that allow participants to develop and practise intervention skills.
Can organizations request ASIST training?
Yes. Organizations can contact the Canadian Training Institute to discuss their training needs and request ASIST training for their team.