Talking to Patients About Firearm Safety

One in three U.S. households has at least one firearm, millions of which are stored loaded and unlocked. Mental health professionals can help reduce firearm suicides, homicides, and accidents by talking to their patients about safe storage and temporary transfers during high-risks periods. This article discusses methods of enhancing firearm safety as well as strategies for approaching the topic with a patient. Copyright: 2022

After reading the CE Corner article, you will be asked to complete a “Commitment-to-Change” (CTC) exercise. The CTC exercise is designed to help facilitate the translation of your learning into practice. Completion of the CTC is required prior to the completion of the CE Test based on the APA Monitor CE Corner article.

Part of the APA Monitor’s CE Corner article series.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

New York state psychologists: This program is not currently in compliance with the unique requirements imposed by the New York State Board of Education for New York licensed psychologists CE.

• Discuss the reasons for firearm ownership and the risks firearms pose for patients and their families.
• Describe several methods of enhancing firearm safety as well as strategies for approaching the topic with a patient.
• Explain what legal channels are available to reduce access to firearms if involuntary intervention is needed.

Zara Abrams