When the Conversation Gets Hard: Navigating Suicide Ideation and Psychosis

When the Conversation Gets Hard: Navigating Suicidal Ideation and Psychosis
May 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Dakota Medical Foundation | Fargo, ND

ShareHouse’s annual clinical workshop brings behavioral health professionals together for a practical, skills-focused day of learning centered on some of the most challenging conversations clinicians face. When the Conversation Gets Hard will explore how to effectively respond to suicidal ideation, recognize and support individuals experiencing psychosis, and navigate difficult conversations that arise in behavioral health and substance use treatment settings.

Designed for anyone working in behavioral health, this training focuses on real-world communication strategies that support both client safety and clinician confidence. Participants will learn how to deliver difficult information—using trauma-informed communication approaches that maintain dignity, reduce harm, and preserve therapeutic relationships.

Participants will also explore suicide risk assessment and response within the regional crisis system, including how to recognize warning signs, differentiate levels of suicidal ideation, and connect individuals with appropriate supports. Special attention will be given to cultural and individual factors, including those impacting rural communities and vulnerable populations, and how clinicians can adapt their communication style to support understanding, dignity, and clear next steps. The workshop will also highlight de-escalation techniques for managing emotional reactions, resistance, and crisis responses when conversations become highly charged.

In addition, attendees will examine cultural and individual factors that shape how people receive difficult news and explore ways to adapt communication styles to promote understanding, respect, and clear next steps.

The day will include lecture, case examples, demonstrations, small-group discussions, interactive exercises, and Q&A, giving participants opportunities to practice skills, learn from peers, and apply strategies they can immediately bring back to their clinical work.

This workshop is ideal for professionals working in mental health, substance use treatment, healthcare, and community behavioral health settings who want to strengthen their ability to navigate high-stakes conversations with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

6.5 Continuing Education Credits are available for the following boards:

• North Dakota State Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners
• North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
• North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners
• ND Peer Support
• MN Board of Social Work
• MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy: LADC, LPC, & LPCC

6 Continuing Education Credits are available for the following boards:

• ND State Board of Psychologist Examinerd

Attendees must be in attendance throughout the entire day (other than scheduled breaks) in order to receive a completion certificate.

Registration begins at 8:30 AM and the workshop begins at 9:00 AM. The workshop ends at 3:30 PM. Light breakfast, lunch and snacks are included. If you have special dietary requirements, please send a message to the organizer through Eventbrite.

Please note that childcare will not be provided at this event and so we ask that children do not attend.

Dakota Medical Foundation is a tobacco free campus. They ask that if you are going to use tabacco products that you do so across the road or in your car, making sure not to leave anything behind.

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