University of Massachusetts Boston 2026 SIVRA Certification Training
January 8-9, 2026 | 9AM - 5PM ET
Presenter: Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., M.Ed.
The SIVRA (Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment) is a research-based tool designed to deliver a consistent and objective evaluation of an individual’s risk of violence toward others. This assists Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) in proactively addressing the risk and protective factors that influence an individual’s willingness to engage in violence.
Originally developed in 2012, the current version of SIVRA taught in this course is an enhanced version featuring a refined assessment system focusing on 21 risk factors for violence, grounded in the most recent research. It includes an improved user guide, along with supplemental materials such as an interview template and suggested interview questions. Users familiar with the previous version will find the new tool better organized, with clearer descriptions of risk factors and easier scoring.
This two-day certification course provides in-depth training on using the SIVRA tool and conducting a thorough and objective violence risk assessment process. Participants in this certification course will learn how to conduct an effective interview and gather information to evaluate an individual’s risk of harm to others using the SIVRA tool. Additionally, they will practice applying the SIVRA tool to videos demonstrating violence risk assessment interviews. NABITA’s expert faculty members will also discuss strategies for assessing credibility, how to phrase questions to probe for specific risk and protective factors, and how to gather information from collateral sources.
Completing this certification course is a prerequisite for NABITA’s SIVRA in Practice course. This progression ensures a deep and comprehensive understanding, enabling participants to learn and practice administering the SIVRA in varied and challenging situations.
Pricing:
$1,150 per participant for NABITA members
$1,450 per participant for non-members.
Group discounts will be applied for 2 or more participants registered under the same invoice. Please reach out to Megan.Birster@tngconsulting.com for custom pricing.