How I Can Help — Background

Research + FAQ for the I CAN HELP campus suicide-prevention program.

Frequently asked questions

How does I CAN HELP compare to other campus gatekeeper training programs? I CAN HELP is a shorter, values-grounded gatekeeper program designed for students, faculty, staff, and other non-mental-health professionals. No ongoing licensing fees for the core materials — the goal is to make the training spread.

How can this program positively impact retention and student success? Gatekeeper trainings measurably shift bystander behavior and reduce time-to-referral for students in crisis. Retention effects are downstream and cumulative — schools that invest in gatekeeper coverage typically see reduced first-year attrition tied to unaddressed mental-health events.

Where can I learn more about Three-Step Theory (3ST)? The academic literature is your best starting point — Klonsky et al.'s original 3ST paper and the follow-up validation studies are the source. Ping me if you'd like a curated reading list.

Can I really use these materials for free? Yes. The core kit is free to download and use. Reprints or customized versions may involve a nominal cost.

Materials

Download the no-cost content overview, Train-the-Trainer materials, presentation slides, and printed reference cards from /order-materials.

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