National Association of Retrospective Fatality Analysts

Putting Suicide Loss Survivors First. Supporting Coroners, Clinicians, and Communities.

Our two-day training, offered virtually or in person, prepares participants to conduct RFA using a structured, compassionate, and context-sensitive approach. The method expands on the psychological autopsy framework and can support survivor meaning making, prevention, research, legal clarity, and postvention planning.

    • Foundations of RFA

    • Interview skills and protocols

    • Document review and data synthesis

    • Narrative analysis using a biopsychosocial framework

    • Writing the RFA report

    • Applications across systems

    • Certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation

    • Participants can earn 11.5 credit hours (Total cost for CEUs is $15)

    • Bachelor’s degree required

    • Relevant experience in social sciences, public health, healthcare, death investigation, or in roles supporting grieving or bereaved individuals, especially suicide loss survivors

    • Strong interviewing skills

    We welcome a wide range of professionals including clinicians, public health workers, fatality review members, and survivor advocates.


Training Options and Fees

Trainings

Virtual or In-Person

This training is open to eligible individuals. It costs $375 and includes materials and a certificate of attendance. Contact us if you are interested in attending, and we will notify you when dates for the next training are confirmed.

Private Group Trainings

In-Person

We offer group trainings for organizations, agencies, and coalitions at a flat rate of $9,375 for up to 25 participants. Travel costs apply. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a training.

Certification is required to use the RFA protocol. It ensures hands-on application of the method, peer feedback, and trauma-informed report writing.

Certification Process

Fee: $300 (valid for 3 years)

Path Options

Path 1: Independent Case Review
Conduct 3 interviews and submit a full RFA report for panel review

Path 2: Team Collaboration
Work with a team; conduct 2 interviews each and write an individual report

Path 3: Simulated Interviews
For institutional certification needs; includes role-play and written components

After Certification

Certified RFA Analysts may . . .

Partner with RFA Consultants on cases

Apply the method in professional or research settings

Renew certification every 3 years ($300)

Mentorship and Ongoing Support

Our RFA Mentorship Program offers continued support for individuals who have completed training and are working toward certification, as well as those who are already certified. Mentors help participants prepare to interview loss survivors and work through cases. We are available to consult on cases during the certification process and after certification is complete. We are also available to debrief at any stage of the work. This program ensures that no one is navigating the RFA process alone.