Supporting Behavioral Health Providers: Creating Postvention Strategies for Healing After Losing a Client to Suicide or Overdose

This event combines a film screening with guided discussion to explore the emotional, professional, and systemic impacts of losing a client to suicide or opioid overdose, and the path to healing for behavioral health providers and administrators. Adapted from materials developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), the session covers practical postvention strategies to support healing, resilience, and professional recovery following client loss.

Through brief video segments and facilitated dialogue, participants will examine the parallels between suicide loss and overdose loss, discuss evidence-informed postvention strategies, and share field experiences. The event also highlights clinical and community resources available through the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE) and SPRC.

By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to implement emotional, professional, and organizational postvention strategies; understand evidence-based approaches to recovery after client suicide or overdose loss; and apply that knowledge within their prevention efforts.

Presented by Bianca D. McCall, LMFT — licensed clinical therapist with 25 years in behavioral health, 12 years as a healthcare CEO, international TED Speaker, and mental health researcher. She serves on national committees including the SPRC (designated by SAMHSA) and the Steering Committee for the U.S. Department of Public Health, and is a subject matter expert and instructor with the Centers for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), Region 9, at the University of Nevada, Reno.

This training offers 2 CEUs, approved for continuing education by the boards listed on the event page. Funding was provided in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director's Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada (Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712–433.744). Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.