Caregiving and Family Support for Suicidal Individuals
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., & Amber J. Parker, PA.,
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Level: Beginner
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Continuing Education
Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop:
Live: Approved for 2 ASWB, NBCC and IBCC Credits*
On Demand: Approved for 2 ASWB, NBCC and IBCC Credits*
CE Statement
Summary
Licensed mental health provider, ministry leaders, medical personnel and other types of caregivers who provide care for those struggling with mental health issues are aware of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide. All mental health organizations, including AACC, have increased programing and resources to promote awareness and levels of competence in suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention in response. However, very little has been offered to address the challenges facing spouses, family members and others who love and care for individuals who are suicidal, and many have expressed that there is a lack of support for them. This webinar will address the unique needs of caregivers of suicidal individuals and how to assist them in the process of helping their loved one. It will address the physical, mental, and emotional impacts and identify those most at risk for negative effects, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Identify the primary and secondary caregivers of suicidality and mental crisis.
- Discuss causes of caregiver burden, highlighting research on groups with greatest challenge levels.
- Describe the physical, mental, and emotional impacts on caregivers and how to care for their unique needs and support their self-care.
- Outline ways the general community and mental health professionals can support caregivers and increase the overall health of the whole family or social unit.
Continuing Education Statement
Live: Approved for LPC, LMFT, LCSW, and IBCC
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. *Webinars MUST be watched LIVE to receive CE Credit.
On-Demand: 2 NBCC Credits
Effective immediately, participants can now earn “On-Demand” NBCC credit for CounselTalk webinars that are not attended live. To receive this credit, participants must complete a 10-question quiz and an evaluation following the On-demand CounselTalk webinar.
Please note the following details:
- The CounselTalk webinar will switch to “On-Demand” credit after 11:59 pm on the day of the webinar.
- Participants must sign up for the CounselTalk webinar prior to its start time to be eligible for this type of credit.
Learn more about our Continuing Education Policies
Presenters
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., is a Professional Counselor, life coach, crisis response trainer, author and speaker. She conducts training, counseling and coaching in the field of grief, crisis and trauma through the Institute for Compassionate Care. Jennifer is an approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, teaching several CISM courses. Also, Jennifer provides divorce coaching, training and speaking through Emerge Victorious, a ministry for women rebuilding their lives after divorce. She is the co-author of The First 48 Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders, with her husband, Dr. Kevin Ellers. In addition, Jennifer co-authored Emerge Victorious: A Woman’s Transformational Guide After Her Divorce with Sandra Dopf Lee.
Amber J. Parker, PA., is a Physician Assistant, author, speaker, and mental health advocate focused on supporting caregivers of loved ones facing suicidality and trauma. Drawing from her personal experience caring for her husband, her upcoming book The Forgotten Caregiver of Mental Crisis offers hope, resilience, and practical tools for caregivers. Combining her medical background, research, and faith, Amber integrates psychology and spirituality to empower those often overlooked in mental health. She also runs Beautiful Truth Design, a faith-inspired merchandise shop, and shares resources on her blog, choosejoyinthemidst.com, helping caregivers feel seen, supported, and never alone.