ASist

ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, is a widely used two-day workshop aimed at teaching adults to recognize risk factors and intervene with individuals who may be contemplating suicide. Developed by LivingWorks Education in Canada, the program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through group discussions, instructional videos, and realistic role-plays. Participants learn to assess a person at risk, discuss options for help, and connect them to appropriate resources; the training centers on creating a collaborative plan to keep the person safe and encourage professional assistance.

The core components typically include identifying warning signs, initiating a conversation about suicide, conducting a risk assessment, and developing a plan to increase safety with follow-up resources. The course also emphasizes cultural sensitivity, ethical considerations, and self-care for interveners. ASIST is often delivered to a diverse audience, including educators, healthcare workers, emergency responders, clergy, and volunteers. Evidence on impact suggests that ASIST can improve knowledge about suicide, reduce stigma, and increase confidence and willingness to intervene in at-risk individuals; however, as with most training programs, translating these gains into long-term outcomes remains a subject of ongoing research. The program has been adopted by organizations worldwide and used as a standard component of broader suicide-prevention strategies.