The Core Competency Model (CCM) of Suicide Prevention Training: Origins, Evidence & Updates

Date: 30 January 2026 (In-person event)

Time: 10.00am-11.00am (refreshments provided)

Location: Oculus Building, OC0.04

This event is free to attend, please register for catering purposes.

Presentation Abstract: Professor Cramer is the founder of the Core Competency Model (CCM) of Suicide Prevention Training, an essential skills education program for mental health providers and trainees. This talk begins with an overview of the need for the model, grounded in a tiered suicide prevention training framework. Professor Cramer will outline CCM principles, skills, and training approaches, followed by a summary of existing evidence. He will illustrate CCM adaptations for corrections, military/defence, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The talk will conclude with an overview of current psychometric research on suicide prevention practice instruments and a Q&A session.

Short Bio: Robert Cramer, PhD is the Belk Endowed Professor of Health Research and Associate Director of Training for the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology (forensic and quantitative methods expertise). His expertise includes suicide prevention, hate crimes, LGBTQ+ health, measurement, and community-engaged research. Professor Cramer’s scholarly record includes more than $18mil in funded research, 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles, and previous visiting scholar roles in the UK, Australia, and Finland.

Intended Audience: Clinicians, academic staff, fellows, or anyone else interested in suicide prevention and mental health promotion training, research, and policy.