ANNIE ZENN, MS, LPC SCHOOL COUNSELOR
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(D) Demonstrates the ability to use procedures for assessing and managing suicide risk; ​

The following course syllabi reflect how this competency was met through my graduate studies:
COUN 504: School Counseling Internship
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File Type: pdf
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COUN 543: Counseling Skills
File Size: 500 kb
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COUN 509: Practicum
File Size: 441 kb
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COUN 545: Youth at Risk
File Size: 479 kb
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North Clackamas School District Suicide Intervention Process

While working in the North Clackamas School District, I knew that I needed to familiarize myself with the school district's protocol for suicide intervention and prevention in case a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up. The school district's protocol, coupled with the training I received through ASIST, gave me the confidence and tools I needed to appropriately assess and manage suicide risk. I am glad that I had taken these precautions because I felt confident knowing what I needed to do when a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up with one of my elementary school students.
NCSD Suicide Intervention Process
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Suicide Risk Assessment 

I knew a suicide risk assessment was needed when I learned that a fourth grade student wrote a letter to their substitute teacher saying that they wanted to die, I responded immediately. Using what I had learned in the ASIST suicide prevention training, and in adherence to the school district protocols, I asked the student clear, straightforward questions to assess the threat of harm and create a safety plan for the student which included making a practice call to the suicide hotline. I then contacting the parents to notify them of the suicide risk, and make recommendations for keeping their child safe outside of school, which they were extremely grateful for. I also made a referral to counseling, scheduled weekly individual check­-ins with the student, and identified safe adults in the school who knew what was going on and who the student could check in with if needed. Later that day I consulted with the principal, school social worker, and the district suicide prevention specialist to make sure that I was supporting the student in every possible way.

Months later the student wrote me a letter saying how appreciative they were that I was able to help them and how supported they felt when they needed it the most. I still continue to check in with them and I am happy to report that their thoughts of suicide have significantly decreased.
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  • About
    • Professional Experience >
      • Recommendations
    • Graduate Studies >
      • Additional Trainings
    • World Travels
  • Therapy Dog
  • Counseling Program
    • Covid-19 Resources
    • What does a School Counselor do?
    • Classroom Guidance
    • Small Groups
    • Individual Counseling
  • Community Resources
  • Contact