2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on the Treatment of Suicidal Behaviors with Dialectical Behavior Therapy is presented by Janice Kuo, PhD.

This program offers a primer on the key theoretical underpinnings of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and how it relates to the conceptualization and treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and suicidal behaviors. DBT, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is an evidence-based approach that has been proven effective for individuals with BPD and high suicide risk. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Psychiatry, 2015), individuals with BPD who received DBT had half the risk of attempting suicide compared to those who received other types of therapy. This data demonstrates the impact of DBT in treating suicidality and BPD.

The program not only outlines the DBT's theoretical underpinnings, but it also shares powerful case studies. These case studies illustrate the transformative impact of DBT on patients' lives, highlighting the efficacy of techniques such as chain analysis in understanding and preventing suicidal behaviors.  Participants explore the role of emotional dysregulation, a core feature of BPD, and learn how DBT can effectively manage this. 

Participants learn how to implement a DBT chain analysis to assess the occurrence of suicidal behaviors and apply suicide risk management and crisis strategies to target suicidal behaviors. DBT Chain analysis - a critical technique used to decipher and manage suicidal behaviors. This tool enables the identification of precipitating factors and understanding of the chain of events leading to suicidality. Further training emphasizes crisis strategies and suicide risk management, vital skills for any practitioner dealing with high-risk clients.

The program is designed for a broad range of practitioners, from clinical psychology students to seasoned clinicians. It is especially beneficial for those working in mental health settings with individuals at risk for suicide.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the conceptualization of suicidal behaviors based on DBT principles and underpinnings
  • 2 Describe how to manage ongoing suicidal behaviors using DBT strategies
  • 3 Describe how to manage imminent suicide using DBT strategies

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health professionals who work with clients at risk for suicide or those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It is particularly relevant for individuals specializing in clinical psychology, counseling, behavioral health, or psychotherapy, and for those seeking specialized skills in suicide risk assessment and intervention.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Clinical Psychologists
    • Counselors
    • Licensed Therapists
    • Behavioral Health Professionals
    • Psychotherapists specializing in high-risk populations

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for a range of experience levels in mental health practice, from those new to DBT to those with prior exposure to its principles and techniques.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to DBT and/or the treatment of borderline personality disorder and suicidal behaviors, and seek foundational knowledge of DBT theory, core concepts, and basic intervention strategies.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some prior experience or training in DBT or working with individuals with BPD and suicidal behaviors, and are looking to deepen their understanding of DBT chain analysis, crisis strategies, and the application of DBT principles in clinical practice.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals apply DBT-informed suicide risk assessment and intervention in settings that serve high-risk clients, such as outpatient clinics, community agencies, hospitals, and intensive programs. They work in structured, team-based environments that support chain analysis, crisis planning, and continuity of care across in-person and telehealth services.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Community mental health and outpatient behavioral health clinics
    • DBT specialty programs (intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization)
    • Inpatient psychiatric units and psychiatric emergency services
    • University and college counseling centers
    • Group or private practices with DBT consultation teams
    • Telehealth behavioral health services
    • Crisis stabilization units and mobile crisis teams
Presented By

Janice Kuo, PhD

Dr. Kuo received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Washington where she was mentored by the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Dr. Marsha Linehan. After receiving her doctorate, Dr. Kuo completed her internship at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Kuo is currently a faculty member at the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium where she is actively involved research, teaching, and supervision. Her scientific work focuses on clarifying emotion-related dysfunctions underpinning Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), suicidal behaviors, and trauma-exposed individuals and developing innovative treatments for these populations. Dr. Kuo has published numerous scientific articles on these topics and her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Mental health and the Canadian Institute of Health Research. Dr. Kuo is among the first cohort to be certified as a DBT therapist by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification and she has conducted national and international workshops in DBT and the treatment of suicidal behaviors since 2005.


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Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Conceptualization of BPD and Suicidal Behaviors
    -Role of Emotion Dysregulation

  • Primer on DBT Theoretical Underpinnings as it Relates to Suicidal behaviors
    -Dialectical Philosophy & Behavioral Science

  • Management of Ongoing Suicidal Behaviors
    -Chain Analysis & Problem-Solving

  • Management of Imminent Suicide

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.