This program is delivered to anyone who is at least 16 years old and is intended to impact individuals who have suicidal tendencies.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a community-based, gatekeeper training program, is designed to teach participants how to recognize risk factors for suicide and how to identify and use strategies to intervene.

Results from two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were mixed for those who participated in ASIST training. One study that examined the effects of ASIST on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s crisis hotlines showed that 6 out of 23 counselor behaviors were significantly impacted by the training; however, the second study, conducted among individuals living in a First Nations community, showed no significant impact on any outcome, except for knowledge of risk. Callers to the crisis hotline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by ASIST-trained counselors. However, this outcome was not measured for sustained effects beyond the end of the phone call. Additional studies had a less rigorous study design and/or a lack of sustained effects, but these studies demonstrated some positive effects on various measures, including knowledge about suicidal behavior, self-reported identification of at-risk youth, and greater confidence in working with suicidal individuals and referring youth to treatment. Results tended to differ depending on the population (e.g., social worker, counselor, physician, nurse, teacher, church leader, coach, emergency responder, support staff). It should be noted that the RCT conducted in the First Nations community found a trend towards increased suicidal ideation (SI) among those who completed ASIST training at a 6-month follow-up.

ASIST is delivered as an interactive workshop and intends to train participants in an assessment and intervention strategy called the Pathway for Assisting Life (PAL). The PAL model consists of the following phases:

• Connecting with suicide – ask the person who is at risk directly if he or she is thinking about suicide;
• Understanding choices – examine a person’s reasons for wanting to die by suicide and consider his or her reasons for wanting to live, and, then, address the ambivalence between the two; and
• Assisting life – collaborate with the person who is at risk to create and confirm a personalized safety plan.

ASIST was created in 1983 and has been delivered around the world to more than 1,000,000 people. In addition, this program has been implemented and evaluated in the United States Army.

ASIST workshops are led by at least two trained facilitators.These trainers may work independently, or they may work for an agency or organization; however, all trainers enter a contractual arrangement with LivingWorks. Off-site, 5-day ASIST Training for Trainers (T4T) is available, or an organization may host their own T4T. In addition, there is a separate, 5-day, military T4T. An Organizer's Guide is available on the program website and contains information and timelines to help facilitators plan and arrange for program implementation. Please use details in the Contact section for more information on training options and costs.

Considerations for implementing this program include acquiring participant buy-in and commitment as this program broaches sensitive topics; locating one large room with audiovisual equipment and at least one smaller room for small-group discussions; providing refreshments; obtaining materials, such as name tags and markers; and making arrangements to pay for transportation, meals, accommodations, and other personal costs of trainers.  

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing ASIST, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

This is a 2-day, 14- to 16-hour workshop.

Information on implementation costs was not located; however, trainers or facilitators order and provide program materials for workshop participants. Please use the details in the Contact section to learn more.

To move ASIST to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation with a rigorous study design should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.  

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact LivingWorks by mail P.O. Box 9607, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311, phone 1-888-733-5484, fax 1-910-867-8832, email usa@livingworks.net, or visit https://www.livingworks.net/contact

https://www.livingworks.net/asist