QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is a suicide prevention program that teaches people to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to help someone who may be at risk. The training is a "gatekeeper" program, meaning it is designed for people who are in a position to recognize and refer someone in crisis, similar to how CPR trains people to respond in a medical emergency.
The training is based on three steps:
Question: The first step is to ask the person directly if they are considering suicide. This can help to open up a dialogue about their feelings of suffering.
Persuade: Next, you work to persuade the person to accept help and to seek professional assistance.
Refer: Finally, you connect the person to the appropriate resources, such as a mental health professional, crisis hotline, or other support services.
QPR training is for anyone in a position to recognize the signs of a suicide crisis. This includes:
Parents and caregivers
Teachers and school staff
Mental health professionals
First responders
Clergy
Coaches
Veterinary professionals