The University of Texas System

SAFETY-A

SAFETY-A is a family-centered intervention developed by researchers at the UCLA ASAP Center for youth “who have attempted suicide, engaged in self-harm behaviors, or expressed strong suicidal urges.” This approach focuses on reducing risk and assisting with continuity of care, including collaborating with families and youth on developing a safety plan that includes restricting access to lethal means, and supporting protective factors like social connectedness.

SAFETY-A for Primary Care Providers in Texas

More children and youth need mental health support than ever before, and child and youth suicide can be preventable. Primary care clinicians and teams are poised to assist through support from the Child Psychiatry Access Network and SAFETY-A. Together, our team can support PCPs utilizing two distinct but complementary training programs that include free CME credits. 

The SAFETY-A Suicide Risk Assessment Training is designed to equip primary care providers with the critical skills needed to recognize when it’s time to implement SAFETY-A training. This comprehensive program demonstrates how to identify and address suicide risk effectively, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions for those in need. Enhance your practice with the tools to make a difference in patient care and safety.

Levels of Training

We are pleased to offer a range of levels of training depending on the unique needs of each clinic and PCP.

 PurposeHoursCME creditsLink to sign up:
SAFETY-A Level 1Brief overview of SAFETY-A to see whether SAFETY-A training might benefit you or your clinic1- hour Prerecorded Training video1https://bcmpsych.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQi6HRlipfpEEBMment
SAFETY-A Level 2Base-level knowledge on SAFETY-A with role plays3-hour Master Training  3https://bcmpsych.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56odypzTpdbdTlc  
SAFETY-A Level 3Full mastery and competency of SAFETY-A  5 sessions, 7.5-hour Complete Training  7.5https://bcmpsych.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9M0tDP6IxmfbkJo  
Youth Suicide Risk Assessment TrainingDesigned to help providers identify youth who might benefit from SAFETY-A1-hour live training1https://bcmpsych.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Vx7vJXjnLgG1ym  

Resources

SAFETY-A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is the difference between SAFETY-A Level 1 training, Level 2 training, and Level 3 training? How do I know which level is right for me?
  • SAFETY-A Level 1 training is a pre-recorded, 1-hour overview of SAFETY-A to engage PCPs and their clinics to see whether they might benefit from SAFETY-A training (Level 2 or 3).
  • SAFETY-A Level 2 training involves attending one 3-hour Master Training to learn about how to use the SAFETY-A intervention in a primary care setting. The Master Training includes a didactic portion as well as videos and opportunities to roleplay using SAFETY-A with patients. This option is for PCPs who want to develop a foundational-level knowledge of SAFETY-A.
  • SAFETY-A Level 3 training involves attending one 3-hour Master Training, three 1-hour monthly Consultation Calls, and one 1.5-hour Booster/Wrap-Up training. This equates to a total of 7.5 hours of training over the course of four months. This option is for PCPs who want to develop mastery of SAFETY-A and receive consultation and individualized feedback about using the intervention in a primary care setting.



Can I complete more than one SAFETY-A training?
  • Absolutely. PCPs who complete SAFETY-A Level 1 and are wanting more training on SAFETY-A are strongly encouraged to attend a SAFETY-A Level 2 or 3 training. Please note that the Master Training in SAFETY-A Level 2 and 3 is the same.



I just signed up for SAFETY-A Level 1 training. When do I have to complete it by?
  • Whenever! SAFETY-A Level 1 training is a pre-recorded, 1-hour overview of SAFETY-A that can be completed at any time. This option was added to address the busy schedules of PCPs.



Can I only attend SAFETY-A Level 2 or 3 Training in my CPAN catchment area?
  • Not at all! PCPs can attend any SAFETY-A Level 2 or 3 training taking place across the state depending on which fits their busy schedule. We do ask that PCPs who register for SAFETY-A Level 3 remain in the same training cohort for cohesion.



What is covered during the Master Training (Levels 2 and 3)?
  • During the Master Training, PCPs learn about the evidence supporting SAFETY-A, the main components of the SAFETY-A intervention (including how to develop a safety plan with the youth and their family), and how to navigate challenging situations with youth and their families. The Master Training is led by 1-2 SAFETY-A trainers and includes a didactic portion, videos, and roleplaying with attendees to practice using SAFETY-A with youth and their families.



What is covered during the Consultation Calls (Level 3 only)?
  • Consultation Calls are a time for PCPs to share their experiences implementing SAFETY-A intervention in their clinic setting, to troubleshoot challenging scenarios, review case examples, and address questions or concerns about SAFETY-A. Consultation Calls are led by 1-2 SAFETY-A trainers but, unlike the Master Training, involve a smaller cohort of PCPs so that training and feedback can be individualized to each PCP’s needs.



What is covered during the Booster/Wrap-Up Training (Level 3 only)?
  • The Booster/Wrap-Up Training is a time to review SAFETY-A, address any lingering questions, or engage in any additional role playing that would be helpful for the training cohort. Booster/Wrap-Up trainings are held with the same small cohort of PCPs that attended the Consultation Calls together so that training and feedback can be individualized to each PCP’s needs.



Is the Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training part of SAFETY-A?
  • The Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training provides an overview of assessing for suicide risk with youth patients in primary care, including a review of how to use and score common assessment measures. This training is intended to provide a basis for determining when youth patients are at risk for suicidal behaviors and might benefit from the SAFETY-A intervention. PCPs can attend both SAFETY-A Level 2 or 3 AND the Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training, or just one training.



Is the Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training a prerequisite for SAFETY-A training?
  • Participating in the Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training is not a prerequisite for SAFETY-A Level 2 or 3, but we do strongly recommend that PCPs complete both trainings if they are wanting a more comprehensive training for identifying and addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in their youth patients.



My clinic would like to attend a training together. Is this possible?
  • We encourage primary care clinics to attend trainings together so they can practice using SAFETY-A with their colleagues and develop a work-flow that makes sense for their unique clinic’s needs. Please ensure that all providers interested in attending this training register individually so that we can have an accurate attendance number and CMEs can be provided without issue.



Are these trainings only available for physicians?
  • Not at all! SAFETY-A training and Youth Suicide Risk Assessment Training is available for any provider working in a primary care setting in Texas. We strongly encourage nurses, residents, administrative staff, etc. to attend our trainings.