What is ASSIP flex?
Basic information
What is ASSIP flex?
The brief therapy ASSIP¹ (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) is routinely offered to all patients following a suicide attempt. It was developed and evaluated by the University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Bern. ASSIP reduces the risk of further suicide attempts by 80 percent through just three to four sessions, along with ongoing letter contact over two years. Since October 2021, ASSIP has been offered flexibly in the Canton of Bern through mobile units. Treatment can be provided inpatient, outpatient, or as home treatment, depending on individual needs. This approach also allows patients with limited mobility or difficult access to be reached, and enables the social environment to be more directly involved in the treatment.
1 ASSIP® is a registered and protected trademark at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (Trademark No. 710930).
How effective is ASSIP?
At the University of Bern, we conducted a study to examine the effectiveness of ASSIP and determine whether it is helpful. We found that ASSIP is very effective. It reduces the risk of further suicide attempts over a 24-month period by about 80 percent. This means that people who participate in ASSIP are much less likely to make another suicide attempt.
ASSIP consists of three to four sessions in which we work together to understand why someone exhibits suicidal behavior. During the sessions, personal warning signs are discussed and a plan is developed to reduce the risk of another suicide attempt.
An important part of ASSIP is building a trusting relationship between the patient and the therapist. This relationship is maintained through regular letters over a period of two years.
We also found that ASSIP improves coping with difficult situations. People who participate in ASSIP show fewer unhealthy and more helpful coping strategies after 24 months compared to those who receive conventional treatment.
We also found that the reasons for living and dying change over time. In people who participated in ASSIP, the reasons for dying decreased more than in those who received conventional treatment. These results show that brief interventions like ASSIP can help reduce the number of suicide attempts over a longer period.
How does ASSIP flex work?
After a suicide attempt, you should not face your experience alone. Therefore, we want to offer you supportive treatment in which we work together to better understand the background of your suicidal crisis and develop individual strategies to prevent future crises. You and the story of your suicide attempt are at the center of this process. You can choose the location of the therapy, which will be arranged in a brief preliminary phone conversation with you.
You can find more information about the process here.
I am already in treatment. Is that a problem?
No. If you are already in psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment, that is not a problem. ASSIP is a complementary program and not a replacement for (long-term) therapy. With your consent, communication with your current treatment providers can take place.
How much does ASSIP flex cost?
The costs for the brief therapy are covered by health insurance (basic coverage). There are no additional costs for home treatment; these are covered as part of a project by the University of Bern supported by Health Promotion Switzerland until the end of 2025.
How long ago must the suicide attempt have taken place?
ASSIP works regardless of how long ago the suicide attempt took place. It may have been a week or several years ago. What matters is that you are motivated to engage with the story of your suicidal experiences and behavior.
Where can ASSIP flex take place?
The ASSIP brief therapy can take place at your home or, by arrangement, for example at your general practitioner, your psychologist, psychiatrist, another trusted healthcare professional, during an inpatient stay, or at a relative’s home. The specific therapy location will be agreed upon with you in a brief preliminary phone conversation.
Difference between ASSIP flex and the original ASSIP
Therapy process
Imagine that you are participating in the ASSIP brief therapy.
Information session
For patients and relatives
What can you expect in the video?
The informational video provides you with information about ASSIP flex. Topics include:
- Contents of the therapy sessions
- Formalities such as registration and eligibility requirements
- Answers to questions such as: ‘How can I motivate a friend or acquaintance to participate?’
Who is the video suitable for?
- The informational video is suitable for people who have attempted suicide, are interested in ASSIP flex therapy, and want to learn more about it.
- The video is also for relatives of people with suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior.
Evaluation
Please complete the evaluation of the information session and help us improve.
Participate via link: Click here
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