Brief therapy for patients after a suicide attempt

A suicide attempt is the greatest risk factor for a subsequent suicide. According to studies, the risk of completed suicide after a suicide attempt is 40 to 100 times higher. The risk increases with each subsequent suicide attempt and remains elevated over 30 years.

ASSIP

ASSIP (“Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program”) is a short intervention aimed at patients who have attempted suicide. ASSIP was founded in Switzerland by Prof. Dr. Konrad Michel and Dr. phil. Gysin-Maillard developed. This brief therapy, consisting of three to four sessions and ongoing contact by letter over two years, combines aspects of action theory, attachment theory and cognitive behavioral therapy. ASSIP is not a substitute for longer-term therapy, but a specific clinical service to clarify the background to the suicide attempt and develop measures to prevent further suicidal crises.

  • A-La Park, Anja Gysin-Maillart, Thomas J. Müller, Aristomenis Exadaktylos, Konrad Michel (2018). Cost-effectiveness of a Brief Structured Intervention Program Aimed at Preventing Repeat Suicide Attempts Among Those Who Previously Attempted Suicide, JAMA Network Open, October 2018, Vol 1, No. 6.
  • Gysin-Maillart, A., Schwab, S., Soravia, L., Megert, M., Michel, K. (2016). A Novel Brief Therapy for Patients Who Attempt Suicide: A 24-months follow-up randomized controlled study of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP). PLOS Medicine 13(3).
  • Gysin-Maillart, A. & Michel, K. (2013). Brief therapy after a suicide attempt. ASSIP – Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program. Bern: Verlag Hans Huber

For patients

Self-registration is currently not possible.

For referrering physicians

No new patients can currently be assigned.

Tel. +41 44 255 52 80