RIOTA Mental Health Special Interest Group (SIG) Presents:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A Critical Resource for OT Professionals
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Virtual
Presenter: Mrs. Lucille Garcia, OTD
Hosted by: Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association (RIOTA)
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Identify and Explain the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline System
Participants will be able to describe the purpose, function, and accessibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including when and how to connect individuals in crisis to this national mental health resource, and differentiate between 988 and other emergency response systems (e.g., 911).
2. Apply Knowledge of 988 Resources within Occupational Therapy Practice
Participants will be able to integrate awareness of the 988 crisis line into their occupational therapy practice by identifying appropriate situations for referral, recognizing warning signs of mental health crisis in clients across various practice settings, and incorporating trauma-informed approaches when discussing mental health resources with clients and caregivers.
3. Demonstrate Understanding in Mental Health Crisis Support
Participants will be able to articulate their role as occupational therapy practitioners in supporting clients experiencing mental health crises, including utilizing appropriate communication strategies, maintaining professional boundaries, and providing evidence-based resources (including 988) to clients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to enhance client safety and well-being.
Additional Course Information
Target Audience: Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and OT students
Level: Introductory to Intermediate
Format: Virtual presentation with Q&A
CEU Information: 1.5 hours
Zoom link will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event.
If you registered and cannot make the event, please email riota@riota.org to give us 24 hours notice.
