A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

You’re only a session away from feeling more confident supporting someone at risk of suicide

A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone from youth, adults, newcomers, people living with mental health or substance use challenges, and those facing housing, financial, or relationship stress.


A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) prepares you to recognize when someone may be having thoughts of suicide and to respond in a way that is safe, respectful, and compassionate. This training is skills-based and interactive, using real-life scenarios, small-group discussions, and practical tools you can apply immediately in your work and community.


Why This Training Matters


People often show signs of distress long before a crisis happens; changes in mood, behaviour, or language that may be easy to miss or dismiss. Many helpers want to support but worry they will “say the wrong thing.”


A.S.I.S.T. gives you a clear framework for:


  • Noticing invitations for help
  • Asking directly about thoughts of suicide
  • Working together to build a safety plan
  • Connecting individuals with ongoing support


This training supports a trauma-informed, person-centred approach that reduces stigma and keeps people connected to care.

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TRAINING DETAILS

SESSION DATE

Coming Soon



TIME

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

TRAINING DELIVERY

In-Person

COST

$282.50

LOCATION

25 Tangiers Road, Unit 1, North York, ON. M3J 2B1

A.S.I.S.T.

Who Is This Training For?


This training is ideal for:


  • PSW, DSW, FSW, ICM and other healthcare or community service students
  • Shelter, housing, and outreach workers
  • Mental health, settlement, and community support staff
  • Volunteers and peer support workers
  • Anyone in a helping role who may encounter people at risk of suicide


Whether you’re new to this role or experienced in the field, A.S.I.S.T. strengthens your confidence in having life-saving conversations.

Alpha Student Experiences


"Alpha Career College is an excellent school with very professional instructors and staff members. The type of support I received there was impeccable."


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Where You Can Use These Skills

Participants can apply A.S.I.S.T. skills in:


  • Emergency and transitional shelters
  • Supportive housing and group homes
  • Community health centres and outreach programs
  • Schools, colleges, and campus support services
  • Social service agencies and non-profit organizations
  • Faith communities and peer support spaces


These skills are valuable in any setting where people may be struggling with mental health or life crises.



Participant Requirements

  • Comfort participating in discussions and role-play activities
  • Ability to attend the full training sessions
  • Recommended for participants 18+
  • No previous mental health training is required

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Training Outline

  • Understanding Suicide & Stigma

    Exploring myths, facts, and the impact of stigma on people experiencing thoughts of suicide.

  • Recognizing Invitations for Help

    Identifying verbal, emotional, and behavioural cues that may signal risk.

  • Asking About Suicide

    Learning how to ask direct, clear, and compassionate questions about suicide.

  • Building Safety Together

    Using a structured conversation model to listen, explore reasons for living, and co-create a safety plan.

  • Connecting to Supports & Self-Care

    Linking individuals to ongoing services and reflecting on your own emotional wellness as a helper.

Begin your journey to becoming a more confident, prepared, and compassionate helper