PACT Practitioner Course
The Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course is a two鈥慸ay, in鈥憄erson program that prepares participants to conduct a psychological autopsy or contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team examining the circumstances surrounding a suicide. Psychological autopsies gather detailed information about the factors present in the lives of individuals who die by suicide. This population鈥� and community鈥憇pecific data plays a critical role in informing suicide prevention efforts.
Interested in attending a PACT training? Individuals can express interest even if their organization can’t host a full course. Complete the .
PACT Update (April 20, 2026):
海角在线 is now accepting submissions for recertification as a Psychological Autopsy Practitioner (formerly Investigator). Submissions will be reviewed within four weeks of receipt, and the submitter will be contacted if additional information or clarification is needed.
Prior to receiving PACT recertification, individuals or organizations will be invoiced a $100 fee, which must be paid before recertification is granted.
海角在线 the Course
The training is interactive and experiential, with two eight鈥慼our days that include discussion, role鈥憄lays, case鈥慴ased application, and section quizzes.
- Session I: Provides an advanced foundation in suicidology and introduces the psychological autopsy protocol through guided practice.
- Session II: Focuses on interviewing, data organization, research methodologies that shape the process, structured inquiry using the protocol, and communication skills that support rapport and trust with interviewees.
Ethical considerations are integrated throughout, emphasizing respectful, supportive, and trauma鈥慽nformed approaches that honor individuals and communities affected by loss.
Learning Objectives
- Define key concepts in advanced suicidology, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental risk and protective factors.
- Explain the purpose, scope, and methodological foundations of the psychological autopsy as a research, investigative, prevention, and postvention tool.
- Apply the psychological autopsy protocol to retrospective case material using a structured, systematic approach.
- Conduct a simulated psychological autopsy interview using evidence鈥慽nformed communication to establish rapport, build trust, and gather accurate information.
- Organize and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from the psychological autopsy process in accordance with professional standards.
- Implement ethical best practices when engaging individuals and families impacted by suicide, including trauma鈥慽nformed and culturally responsive approaches.
- Analyze psychological autopsy findings to develop prevention鈥慽nformed recommendations for clinical practice, organizational policy, or community interventions.
Eligibility
To enroll in the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course, applicants must meet one of the following:
- Previously certified as a PACT Practitioner by 海角在线 within the last five years; or
- Hold an advanced degree in a mental, medical, or public health field and have at least three years of experience in a role related to suicide intervention or postvention; or
- At least five years as a certified law enforcement officer or active鈥慸uty military, or ten years in the National Guard, and a role related to suicide death investigation, peer support, or suicide prevention; or
- Completion of 海角在线鈥檚 Suicide Death Investigation Course漏 (SDIC).
Certification
Individuals who complete 海角在线鈥憄rovided psychological autopsy training are eligible to pursue certification through the 海角在线, which administers and authorizes the process. Completion of 海角在线 training is required to advance to Phase II. Phase II involves successfully completing either a mock psychological autopsy or an actual investigation and submitting it to 海角在线 for formal review and evaluation. After completing the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course, participants have three months to submit a written psychological autopsy for evaluation. Final approval of certification status rests solely with 海角在线.
Certifications earned after May 2026 are valid for three years. To renew, submit proof of 20 hours of suicidology鈥憆elated professional development; a new three鈥憏ear certificate will be issued upon approval.
Recertification
For certifications issued prior to 2026: To renew your certification as a Psychological Autopsy Practitioner (formerly Investigator), individuals must meet one of the following:
- Submit a completed psychological autopsy for 海角在线 review that includes at least three informant interviews with individuals who knew the deceased; or
- Provide documentation of 20 hours of suicidology鈥憇pecific training approved by an authorized entity; or
- Complete the two鈥慸ay Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner course.
Course FAQs
鈻� Is the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course offered virtually?
No. The two-day training is offered in person only.
鈻� How often is the course offered, and how can we host it?
Offerings are scheduled based on interest and host availability. Organizations interested in hosting should contact pact@suicidology.org for scheduling and hosting requirements.
鈻� I’m an individual who wants to complete PACT training. Is there a pathway for me to do so, even though my organization can’t host a training or gather a group of 20+ participants?
Yes. 海角在线 is working to identify local funding sources to support regional or county-specific PACT courses. If you’re interested in attending a PACT training, please complete the .
鈻� What is the cost of the course?
The individual rate is $950 for non鈥懞＝窃谙� members and $850 for 海角在线 members. Each cohort requires a minimum of 20 and allows a maximum of 24 participants. Organizations may host the course for a flat fee of $20,000 and register up to 24 attendees. Hosts that provide a training space receive three complimentary registrations.
鈻� Are there certification fees?
The initial certification fee is $150. For certifications issued prior to 2026, the recertification fee is $100.
鈻� What happens if my certification lapses?
海角在线 will renew psychological autopsy certifications that expired between 2020 and 2026 upon proof of 20 hours of suicidology鈥憇pecific training or submission of a completed psychological autopsy by December 1, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals with a lapsed certification must attend the new two鈥慸ay recertification course.
鈻� Does completion of 海角在线鈥檚 Suicide Death Investigation Course漏 (SDIC) qualify me for certification?
SDIC focuses on determining if a death is a suicide; the Psychological Autopsy Certification Training focuses on why. SDIC can fulfill an eligibility pathway to attend the Psychological Autopsy course, but SDIC alone does not confer certification as a Psychological Autopsy Practitioner.
Approved CE Provider
