Manual for Support Groups for Suicide Attempt Survivors

The Manual for Support Groups for Attempt Survivors, developed by the Suicide Prevention Center at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, serves to guide individuals and organizations in developing and implementing an attempt survivors’ support group in their communities. The support group is an eight-week group that offers a safe, non-judgmental place for people to talk about the feelings that led them to attempt suicide and the impact that their attempt had on their lives. The group provides an opportunity for its participants to connect with peers who share similar experiences and includes an emphasis on tools and skills (e.g., coping skills through safety planning) that can help members stay safe from a future suicide attempt.

Program Objectives

Users of the Manual for Support Groups for Suicide Attempt Survivors will acquire: 1. Knowledge of how to develop, implement, and manage a suicide attempt survivor support group, using a community implementation team model; 2. Knowledge of safety issues related to suicide attempt survivor support groups; and 3. Knowledge of resources and tools for suicide attempt survivors.

Implementation Essentials

• Before implementing a support group for attempt survivors, facilitators need to have training in assessing suicide risk and dealing with imminent risk. It is expected that support group facilitators have education and experience in mental health and suicide prevention.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 10.1: Develop guidelines for effective comprehensive support programs for individuals bereaved by suicide and promote the full implementation of these guidelines at the state/territorial, tribal, and community levels.