The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) was founded by clinical psychologist Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, in 1968. AAS is the nation’s largest and oldest suicide prevention membership organization and charitable 501(c)3. As a membership-based organization that aims to support its members in their knowledge and best practices in the field. In addition to offering insight into the latest trends, issues, and opportunities of our diverse members. People of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, and more are impacted by suicide every day. Our goal is not to eradicate suicide, but through impact, one by one, the lives of those who are or may yet be suicidal.

The principal journal for suicide studies, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, is published six times per year by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of AAS which offers the latest research, theories, and intervention approaches for suicide and life-threatening behaviors. The journal publishes scientific research on suicidal and other life-threatening behaviors, including research from biological, psychological, and sociological approaches.

AAS continues to be a world-leader in the development, implementation, and facilitation of professional accreditation, certification, and training programs. An active program of externally supported research and prevention programming has begun and complements AAS’s ongoing investment in setting standards for and upgrading the skills and understandings of those who work with at-risk individuals. AAS is a nationally-recognized leader in developing and implementing training and accreditation programs. Our programs include Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk, Crisis Center Accreditation, Individual Crisis Specialist Certification, Psychological Autopsy Certification, College and University Suicide Prevention Accreditation, and many more.

Our Annual Conference every Spring welcomes members and non-members alike who are invested in advancing the mission of AAS through educational pre-conferences, interactive poster sessions, panels of subject matter experts and lived experience of suicide, keynotes with today’s thought leaders, and more. The conference welcomes people of all disciplines with shared interest in suicidology, including but not limited to psychologists, psychiatrists, researchers, physicians, social workers, educators, public health professionals, attempt survivors and those with lived experience, crisis service professionals and volunteers.