CAMS TRAINING

The only authorized source for adherent training in the CAMS Framework®. Proven suicide prevention training for evidence-based TREATMENT.

What We Do To Train Providers In CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality)

Developed by Dr. Jobes over decades of clinical trial research, CAMS has a robust evidence-base and flexibility as a treatment. It is also relatively easy to learn to use CAMS with fidelity.

The CAMS Assessment training model provides a spectrum of experiences that optimizes the learner’s understanding of how to use CAMS adherently within clinical practice across different treatment settings and clinical populations.

Implementation and dissemination science has clearly shown that an integrative approach to training using several learning modalities improves clinicians’ learning and adaptation of new skills. Our integrative training model enables most clinicians to become adherent to this evidence-based approach with their first CAMS patient. Clinicians also frequently report our training model provides them with the confidence and clarity to use CAMS effectively with patients.

CAMS Suicide Prevention Training Consists of 5 Components:

CAMS BOOK

Managing Suicidal Risk, A Collaborative Approach, 2nd Edition.

• Incorporates a decade’s worth of extensive clinical research.
• Fully revised with a greater focus on CAMS as a framework for clinical intervention—not just assessment.
• In-depth case example followed throughout the book.
• Describes innovations to the approach, such as how to target and treat patient-defined “suicidal drivers.”
• CAMS Therapeutic Worksheet and CAMS Rating Scale. Includes the Suicide Status Form.

Learn about the Book

Buy the Book

ONLINE COURSE

Three-Hour Video Overview of the CAMS Model presented by the Creator of CAMS, David A. Jobes, Ph.D.

• Unscripted clinical demonstration of the use of CAMs with a client through the course of 12 sessions.
• Demonstration of techniques to reduce access to lethal means.
• Development of a viable CAMS Stabilization Plan.
• Identification of direct and indirect drivers of suicide.
• Creation of a collaborative treatment plan.
• Not to be missed set-back session and resolution.

Learn about the Online Course

Buy the Foundational Video

PRACTICAL ROLE-PLAY TRAINING

Online or In-Person Immersive Experience in the Use of CAMS

• Interactive exercises to practice using CAMS.
• Demonstrations of the use of CAMS in live unscripted role plays.
• Group discussions to strategize challenging case presentations, different techniques and tactics, and application to specific patient populations.
• Recommendations for implementation in systems.
• Opportunity for one on one questions with trainers.
• Available for groups or individuals.

Learn about Role-Play Training

Buy Team Training

Buy Personal Training

 

CONSULTATION CALLS

Hour-Long Phone Meetings for Clinicians after completing either the CAMS Book, Online Video Course and/or CAMS Practical Role-Play Training

• Expert consultants answer questions that arise as providers use CAMS with patients.
• Case presentations with suggestions and feedback.
• Tips and strategies for addressing access to lethal means.
• Specific coping strategies and treatment modalities for treating suicidal drivers.
• How to address set-backs and maintain a collaborative approach.
• Available for groups or individuals.

Learn about Consultation Calls

Buy Consultation Call Seats

Buy Team Consultation Call Seats

EDUCATION DAY

CAMS Education Day

This online or on-site program provides an overview of data and theories regarding suicide rates, information about the field of suicidology and suicide prevention.

• It is intended for large audiences of healthcare providers and administrators, and it is appropriate for settings ranging from hospital networks and state agencies to counseling centers and school districts.
• It is offered as a half-day or full-day of online training or onsite training, but different arrangements may be possible depending on your target population and training goals.

Learn about Education Day

Buy an Education Day

CAMS Suicide Prevention Training for Individuals

CAMS-care can accommodate different tailored training for the use of CAMS for individuals and for groups. Our recommended learning path for individuals is to read the CAMS book, take the Online Course, participate in an Online Role-Play Training Day, and at least 4 Consultation Calls. These resources will help you quickly gain skill with the CAMS framework within your work. CAMS-care is here to support your learning process as you become part of our community of providers. Learn more about our designations of CAMS Trained and CAMS Certified

CAMS Suicide Prevention Training for Teams

We work closely with you to determine the best approach and combination of components to meet your goals. An Education Day may make sense as a way to train a large group in a half-day or full-day workshop, used in combination with any of our other training options to build knowledge of CAMS over time. We will find optimal, efficient, and cost-effective approaches to learning to use CAMS.

Inquire About Team Training

Evidence-Based Training vs. Evidence-Based Treatment

Not every suicide prevention training is the same, and providers should be aware of what kind of educational program they wish to attend before committing to it.


In evidence-based training, an attendee leaves the training program knowing more about the core subject matter than they did beforehand. This is valuable for a clinician who is being educated about working with suicidal patients: learning about signs of suicidality, risk factors, etc. The content of a suicide prevention program like this can be very helpful. But, it does not teach providers to use evidence-based treatment.


Evidence-based treatments are shown to reduce suicidal ideation in a patient, often backed by years of clinical trials and research. There are four evidence-based treatments referenced by the Joint Commission, the Surgeon General, Zero Suicide, and the CDC: CAMS, DBT, CT-SP, and BCBT. If you attend a training that does not teach one of these four frameworks, you are not learning an evidence-based treatment.

CAMS-care provides evidence-based training in evidence-based treatment.

“The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center has been working with CAMS-care to identify a training approach that meets the needs of clinicians in Vermont through online training and consult calls. We chose CAMS-care as the preferred tool for Zero Suicide implementation in Vermont because it is both assessment and treatment and provides high-quality training and support. CAMS-care has been very responsive to feedback and this has increased overall satisfaction with the training approach.”

JoEllen Tarallo, ED.D, MCHES

Director, Vermont Suicide Prevention Center

Frequently Asked Questions About CAMS Suicide Prevention Training

Who should get training in CAMS?
Mental health providers who provide individual therapy; mental health providers in inpatient, emergency department, and intensive outpatient programs; case managers; school counselors and administrators; and emergency or crisis responders.
Do you offer certification in CAMS?
We offer the designation of CAMS TRAINED and a Clinician Locator, so suicidal people and their loved ones can find an evidence-based clinician in their State.
How long does it take to become proficient at using CAMS with patients?
Research has shown that clinicians can become adherent in the use of CAMS with their first patient within four sessions.
Do you have a Train the Trainer Program?

CAMS-care is dedicated to adherence to the CAMS evidence-base. All CAMS-care’s Authorized Trainers have worked extensively with Dr. Jobes and receive regular updates to apply the latest CAMS research to the training. It is not uncommon for the quality of training protocols to become less adherent when incorporated into a Train-the-Trainer training model. While this may be acceptable for some types of training, when dealing with the management and treatment of suicide risk, it is not.  While we strongly encourage you to receive training for a CAMS Authorized Trainer we understand that this may not be practical for some organizations and countries and so we have developed a CAMS Internal Trainer designation that allows a clinician steeped in CAMS knowledge to train other employees within your organization.  For more information about the program, please contact andrew@cams-care.com.

We are participating in "Zero Suicide." How can we go about implementing CAMS in our organization?
CAMS-care provides the only authorized training in CAMS that readily fits well into a Zero-Suicide policy effort. Dr. Jobes has been involved in the Zero Suicide movement since its inception and CAMS is consistently used within Zero Suicide initiatives as one of only a handful of suicide-specific evidence-based approaches to suicidal risk according to replicated randomized controlled trials. For more information about CAMS and Zero Suicide please see Dr. Jobes’ video.
Can we work with CAMS-care for training using Garrett Lee Smith Act (GLS) grant funds?
Yes, CAMS is an excellent evidence-based suicide-specific clinical intervention that can be well-suited for suicide prevention efforts funded by GLS. Many CAMS trainings have been conducted for state organizations and Native American behavioral health providers over the past several years.

Couldn’t find the answer?