ASSIP - Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program: A Manual for Clinicians 2015

An innovative and highly effective brief therapy for suicidal patients – a complete treatment manual Attempted suicide is the main risk factor for suicide. The Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) described in this manual is an innovative brief therapy that has proven in published clinical trials to be highly effective in reducing the risk of further attempts. ASSIP is the result of the authors’ extensive practical experience in the treatment of suicidal individuals. The emphasis is on the therapeutic alliance with the suicidal patient, based on an initial patient-oriented narrative interview. The four therapy sessions are followed by continuing contact with patients by means of regular letters. This clearly structured manual starts with an overview of suicide and suicide prevention, followed by a practical, step-by-step description of this highly structured treatment. It includes numerous checklists, handouts, and standardized letters for use by health professionals in various clinical settings.

Konrad Michel, MD, is a clinical psychiatrist and Professor at the University Hospital of Psychiatry in Bern, Switzerland. He has developed a model of understanding suicidal behavior based on the theory of goal-directed action and narrative interviewing. He is the initiator of the Aeschi Working Group an international group of clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving clinical suicide prevention by developing and promoting patient-oriented models of understanding suicidal behavior.

Anja Gysin-Maillart is a clinical psychologist and head of the special outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Psychiatry in Bern, Switzerland, for patients who have attempted suicide.