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Coming to the Surface: Self-Injury Reveals Patients' Need for Help
Course Overview
Self-injury occurs in 17% of teens and 5% of adults, so health care professionals must be prepared to interact with and help patients who self-injure. Gain a deeper understanding of self-injury, including signs, risk factors, treatments options, and resources. Learn how medical assistants can play a key role by creating a nonjudgemental space for patients.  

*This course was previously part of the July/August 2025 MA Today course bundle. Please ensure you have not already completed this course prior to purchase.
Course Information

Course Description
Self-injury, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is a complex behavior that healthcare professionals may encounter in patients of all ages. This course explores the causes, warning signs, risk factors, and common misconceptions surrounding self-injury. Learners will examine the relationship between self-injury and emotional distress, mental health conditions, trauma, and marginalized identities.

Emphasis is placed on the medical assistant’s role in recognizing signs of self-injury, responding with compassion and professionalism, and supporting patients through nonjudgmental communication and appropriate resource referral. Practical strategies are provided to help medical assistants create a safe environment that encourages help-seeking and supports patient well-being.

The course highlights the importance of understanding self-injury as a coping behavior rather than making assumptions about a patient's intentions, while reinforcing trauma-informed, patient-centered approaches to care.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the characteristics and prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
  • Identify common signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with self-injury.
  • Recognize common misconceptions about self-injury and their impact on patient care.
  • Apply compassionate, nonjudgmental communication techniques when interacting with patients who self-injure.
  • Explain the medical assistant’s role in supporting patients and connecting them with appropriate resources and interventions.
Course Contributors
Pamela Schumacher, MS, CCMP
Author, "Coming to the Surface: Self-Injury Reveals Patients' Need for Help".
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and other ambulatory care team members who interact with patients experiencing behavioral health concerns. Learners will develop practical skills to recognize signs of self-injury, communicate with empathy, reduce stigma, and support patients through early identification, referral, and compassionate care.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $10.00
Nonmember: $15.00
CEU Offered:
1 Gen/Clin CEU
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