Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment, and Management

Suicide represents the 10th leading cause of death among Americans, creating a ripple effect within families, communities, and society-at-large. Its complexities result in both clinicians and lay persons facing difficulties assimilating and implementing best practice approaches towards suicide prevention and intervention. This 6-hour presentation will explore contemporary data, with regard to suicide, as well as denote core aspects of suicide prevention, suicide risk assessment, and evidence-based treatment approaches.Throughout the presentation, the presenter will review the context of suicide, exploring its roots in the United States and identifying the current state of affairs to date. The presenter will share statistics and epidemiological data via the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to highlight global,national, and regional trends, followed by a discussion of costs associated with suicide.

From there, the presenter will highlight six core principles of suicide prevention, then transition to a review of key components of suicide risk assessment. The presenter will explore risk and protective factors, as well as warning signs of suicide, followed by a review of evidence-based suicide screening tools. Attention will be given to special populations, and the presenter will also note legal, ethical, and risk management considerations. Additional consideration will be given to pandemic related contributions to suicide. Finally, the presenter will underscore potential impact of suicide on mental health professionals themselves.

The presenter will utilize a combination of didactic and experiential (via integrated case study) exercises, as well as group discussion to engage the audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions, as well as engage the presenter in discussion, throughout the presentation.

**This is great opportunity for newly licensed therapists to meet the 6 Hour Suicide Training requirement.

Further, the presenter will afford time for questions at the conclusion of the presentation, followed by CE evaluation completion.

Presentation Objectives. By the end of the 6 hour training, attendees will be able to:

- Describe current research findings surrounding suicide

- Identify at least four risk factors for suicide based on current research

- Name at least four preventive factors for suicide based on current research

- Identify one or more current assessment tools for clients who present with suicide risk

- Create a safety plan with a client who presents with suicide risk

Dr. Mekel Harris, Ph.D., NCSP, PMH-C is a licensed psychologist/health service provider (HSP) (and CEO of Harris Psychological Services, LLC), currently serves in private practice. Further, she offers training/education, consultation, and supervision services to organizations throughout the country. Pre- and post-doctorally trained at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Harris specializes in coping and adjustment to acute and chronic illness, grief and loss, and health-related trauma. Further, she holds an advanced certification in Advanced Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI). Throughout the past decade, Dr. Harris has presented at over 30 domestic and international conferences, focused on pediatric, family, and community health issues, including grief and loss. She is a TEDx speaker, FOX13 Memphis mental health expert, blogger, magazine and podcast contributor, and author of a memoir, “Relaxing Into the Pain: My Journey Into Grief & Beyond.” In addition, Dr. Harris is the creator of the mini-course and e-book, The Grief Anatomy Toolkit, and Re-Imagining Life After Loss interactive course. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, traveling around the globe, and spending time with family, friends, and her feisty Beagle. Dr. Harris’ faith and relationships, coupled with real-life challenges, keep her tethered to what matters most in life.

Accommodations: To request accommodations for special needs, please email the Program Administrator at kroye@destinationsforteens.com

Grievances:To obtain the grievance policy or report a grievance please email kroye@destinationsforteens.com or call 818-737-2221

Certificates: Course Completion certificates will be awarded by e-mail by the end of the following week in exchange for a completed evaluation form. Course meets the qualifications for 6.0 hours of continuing education credit for Psychologists, LMFTs, LPCCs and LCSWs. Please check with your licensing body.

Cost: $30 early bird discount. After 6/24 cost is $45

Where: Online via Zoom

Destinations is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor Continuing Education Series for Psychologists, LMFTs, LPCCs and LCSWs. Destinations maintains responsibility for this program and its content.