This 4-hour seminar-workshop provides clinicians with a structured, evidence-based approach to identifying and managing mental health risks in providing psychological services in the Philippines. The use of standardized screening and evidence-informed practices is integral in providing optimal care. This session introduces three pivotal, open-access tools: the PHQ-9 for depressive severity, the C-SSRS for suicide lethality, and the Unahon Tool for community-based triage. To further deepen this assessment in determining the level of risk, participants are led through a risk assessment interview with the use of an evidence informed suicide risk checklist. Participants will evaluate these instruments through a cultural lens, addressing local nuances such as hiya and the role of the family in crisis intervention. Through interactive case simulations, clinicians will learn to bridge the gap between assessment and action, culminating in the creation of collaborative Safety Plans. By the end of this workshop, attendees will possess the skill set and a practical toolkit to enhance patient safety.
At the end of this 4-hour seminar-workshop, the participants would be able to:
Differentiate among various mental health risks;
Familiarize with standardized, open-sourced tools, such as the PHQ-9, C-SSRS, and Unahon Tool and determine their applicability across settings;
Demonstrate a risk assessment interview using the evidence informed suicide risk checklist;
Construct a comprehensive, collaborative Safety Plan for patients presenting with acute self-harm or suicidal ideation.