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Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program(ASSIP)

Courtesy of the OMH Suicide Prevention Center of NY.

A Brief, Effective, and Person-Centered Treatment for Suicidality

ASSIP is a newly developed psychotherapy, a promising and potentially lifesaving intervention for suicide attempt survivors. ASSIP is designed to complement, not replace, other recommended treatment. The ASSIP therapist will coordinate care with the primary treatment team.

The goal of ASSIP is to listen to an individual’s story, and to respect each person as an expert of their own actions. In just three to four sessions, ASSIP helps survivors understand their suicidal crisis and find ways to establish effective coping strategies for the future. Very few treatments have shown evidence of significant efficacy, and of them, ASSIP stands out for its brevity and potency.

In a randomized controlled trial, ASSIP was shown to reduce re-attempts by 80% as compared to the control arm. SUNY Upstate Medical University has partnered with the NYS Office of Mental Health and the University of Rochester Medical Center to bring ASSIP to Onondaga county.

What to Expect:

  • Session I: You and your ASSIP therapist explore the story of your suicidal crisis. This session is videotaped.
  • Session II: You and your ASSIP therapist will watch and discuss the recording.
  • Session III: You and your ASSIP therapist will create a personalized plan for safety and recovery, based on your story and needs.
  • Next 2 years: Your ASSIP therapist will send you caring letters in the mail.

ASSIP is available now for adults age 18 or older at two clinics in Syracuse, NY. 

  • Psychiatry Faculty Practice
    Upstate Medical University
    719 Harrison Street
    Syracuse, NY 13210
    Phone: 315-464-3265
    Email: ramanats@ktum.net or sedykha@ktum.net
  • Madison Street Clinic
     Hutchings Psychiatric Center
    660 Madison Street
    Syracuse, NY 13102
    Phone: 315-412-6017
    Email: ASSIP@omh.ny.gov

ASSIP is currently only available as part of an National Institute of Mental Health-funded research study. If you’re interested in trying ASSIP for yourself, or referring a patient, please use the contact information below to speak with a member of our ASSIP team.

ASSIP in the news:

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