Suicide Prevention | SOS Signs of Suicide by MindWise Innovations

SOS Signs of Suicide®

SOS is an evidence-based youth suicide prevention program that has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression.

Designed for grades 6-12, SOS teaches students how to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, while providing materials that support school professionals, parents, and communities in recognizing at-risk students and taking appropriate action.

Learn About SOS for School Staff

How it Works

SOS is a classroom lesson that combines educational videos, discussion guides, depression screening, and response slips to seek help. The program includes annual refresher lessons, reflects feedback from students and facilitators, offers practical advice on coping skills, spotlights the role of social media, and includes stories of hope and recovery.

While there is no training or certification required to start using SOS in your school, we offer virtual or in-person training workshops nationally for schools or organizations seeking additional support.

Preview SOS for Students

"SOS has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation in middle school students and suicide attempts in high school students.

If your administrators do not know where to begin, suggest SOS."

American Association of Suicidology

Male Teenage Students Walking Around College Campus Together

Key Features

Evidence-Based

Students reported greater knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression and suicide; and were 64% less likely to report engaging in a suicide attempt.

Affordable for Schools

$500 per school through an annual license (one license per building).

For Middle & High Schools

SOS is used by thousands of middle and high schools around the country.

Takes One Class Period

Includes educational videos, discussion guides, depression screening, and response slips to seek help.

Annual Refresher Materials

Access to additional short videos and lesson plans to use with students year after year.

Any Trusted Adult Can Deliver

No additional training or qualifications are needed to deliver SOS to your students.

After Delivering SOS to Students, Schools Reported

97%

believed students learned to identify signs of depression and suicide
90%

saw an increase in students seeking help for themselves or a friend
95%

felt there was reduced behavioral health stigma among students

What training is required to deliver SOS Signs of Suicide?

No training or certification is required to deliver SOS. The program includes everything from guidance and lesson plans to handouts and resources to ensure that no training is needed.

We do offer an SOS 360 Training for schools or organizations looking for additional support.
Should SOS be delivered by a mental health professional?

SOS does not need to be facilitated by a licensed mental health professional. The program can be delivered by any trusted adult – including your classroom teachers, school counselors, or community partners.
How long does it take to train students?

SOS student training takes as little as one class period of about 50 minutes. Optional supplemental lesson plans and refresher videos allow facilitators to provide additional training.
How many programs should I purchase?

Program pricing is based on a one-program-per-school model. Within a school, the student video can be streamed into as many classrooms as you choose simultaneously, and you may download and print as many copies of program materials as you need for your students, faculty/staff, and parents.

SOS operates on a subscription basis. Your initial purchase will give you access for one year from the date of purchase – after that, you’ll renew your program annually.
Do I need to create an SOS account for each person delivering the program? If not, can multiple people use it at the same time?

We do not set up separate accounts for each person implementing. Each school has one login that is shared among all implementers. There is no limit to how many people can be logged in at the same time to one account.

Grant & Scholarship Information

At MindWise, we believe suicide prevention education should be available to all students.

If you’re applying for a grant to bring SOS to your school or community, we’ve got all the information you need to complete your application in our downloadable Grant Application Toolkit. And if your school is unable to cover the cost of SOS, scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our partners.

Grant Toolkit Apply for a Scholarship

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Suicide Prevention for Students