What is ASSIP flex?
Basic information
What is ASSIP flex?
The ASSIP1 (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) is routinely offered to all patients who have attempted suicide. Developed and evaluated by the University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Bern, ASSIP reduces the risk of further suicidal acts by 80 percent in just three to four sessions and continuous contact by letter over two years. ASSIP has been offered flexibly with mobile units in the canton of Bern since October 2021. Depending on requirements, treatment takes place as an inpatient, outpatient or home treatment. This means that patients with limited mobility and difficult accessibility can also be addressed and their environment can be more directly involved.
1 ASSIP® is a trademark registered and protected by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (trademark no. 710930).
How effective is ASSIP?
We conducted a study at the University of Bern to investigate 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 by around 80 percent over a period of 24 months. This means that people who participate in ASSIP are much less likely to make another suicide attempt.
ASSIP comprises three to four sessions in which we work together to understand why someone is exhibiting 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 patient and therapist. This relationship is maintained through regular letters over a period of two years.
We have also found that ASSIP improves the way people deal with difficult situations. People who participate in ASSIP show fewer unhealthy and more helpful coping strategies after 24 months compared to those who undergo conventional treatment.
We also found that the reasons for life and death change over time. The reasons for death decreased more in people who had participated in ASSIP than in people who had received conventional treatment. These results show that brief interventions such as ASSIP can help to reduce the number of suicide attempts over a longer period of time.
How does ASSIP flex work?
After a suicide attempt, you should not remain alone with what you have experienced. That is why we would like to offer you treatment in which we try to better understand the background to your suicidal crisis and work together to develop individual strategies to prevent further crises. The focus is on you and the story of your suicide attempt. You are free to choose the place of therapy and this will be agreed in a short preliminary telephone consultation.
You can find more information about the process here.
I am already undergoing treatment. Is that a problem?
No. If you are already undergoing psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment, this is not a problem. ASSIP is a complementary service and not a substitute for (longer-term) therapy. With your consent, an exchange can take place with those already involved in your treatment.
What does ASSIP flex cost?
The costs of brief therapy are covered by health insurance (basic insurance). No further costs are incurred for home treatment, which will be covered until the end of 2025 as part of a project by the University of Bern supported by Health Promotion Switzerland.
How long ago must the suicide attempt have taken place?
ASSIP works regardless of how long ago the suicide attempt took place. This can be one week or several years ago. It is important that you are motivated to deal with the history of your suicidal experience and behavior.
Where can ASSIP flex take place?
ASSIP brief therapy can take place at your home or, by arrangement, for example at your family doctor’s, your psychologist’s, psychiatrist’s, another trusted healthcare professional’s, during an inpatient stay or with a relative. The appropriate therapy location will be agreed with you in a brief preliminary telephone consultation.
Difference between ASSIP flex and the original ASSIP
Therapy procedure
Imagine you are taking part in ASSIP brief therapy.
Information event
For patients and relatives
Was erwartet Sie im Video?
The information video provides you with information about ASSIP flex. Topics are
- Contents of the therapy sessions
- Formalities such as registration and admission requirements
- Answers to questions such as: “How can I motivate a friend to take part?”
Who is the video suitable for?
- The information video is suitable for people who have attempted suicide and are interested in ASSIP flex therapy and want to find out more about it
- The video is also for relatives of people with suicidal thoughts and behavior
Evaluation
Please complete the evaluation of the information event and help us to improve.
Participate with link: click here
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