Dr. Marisa Marraccini

Supporting Adolescent Recovery from a Suicide-Related Crisis as They Return to School Settings

The immediate period following psychiatric hospitalization for a suicide-related crisis is marked by increased risk for suicide-related behaviors and re-hospitalization. Schools are a primary environment adolescents return to following hospital discharge, making them an important context for supporting adolescent recovery. Based on findings from our ongoing research that is developing school reintegration guidelines, this presentation identifies considerations for returning students across a continuum of services. Considerations include: (1) school supports and services to cultivate a positive psychosocial climate and address the needs of returning students; (2) hospital approaches that integrate consideration of school context into treatment planning and school reintegration into discharge planning; and (3) enhanced communication between settings (e.g., hospitals, schools) and families to improve school reintegration experiences following psychiatric hospitalization. Ultimately, school re-entry plans should be tailored to the unique needs of the returning student and their school.

(CEU Presentation)

Dr. Emily Fortney

Suicide Risk During the Perinatal Period

Pregnancy-related suicides occur in 1.6 to 4.5 per 100,000 births across the United States. Although the perinatal period for childbearing persons includes a high number of healthcare provider visits, maternal suicide risk in the postpartum/perinatal period continues to increase, especially in the Black community. This presentation will discuss the current maternal mortality rates, identifying risk factors, the critical importance of early intervention, and cultural considerations. Lastly, we will explore concrete ways in which one can assess for suicidal risk during the perinatal period.

(CEU Presentation)

Dr. Michael Anthony Lindsey

Suffering in Silence: Signs of Suicidal Behavior in Black Youth

For Blacks, stigma regarding mental health challenges and a common belief that Blacks don’t die by suicide, add complexity to the challenge of saving lives. Sadly, the suicide death rate among Black youth has been found to be increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic group. Black adolescents are significantly less likely to receive care for depression with pervasive structural inequities, social determinants of health, stigma and mistrust of the healthcare system creating daunting barriers to treatment. In this presentation, Dr. Lindsey will discuss signs and symptoms of depression, suicide and anxiety in Black children. He will also explore the importance of access to care, as well as preventive measures and policy.

(CEU Presentation)

Tunja L Morton, Ed.S., NBCT

Nothing Runs on Empty

Are you ready to strengthen your emotional immune system, find fulfillment in your daily roles and responsibilities and return home to your S.E.L.F. replenished? Then, you do not want to miss. Self-Care Development Coach, Tunja Morton’s session: Nothing Runs on Empty. Within the framework of this professional development session, Tunja provides the guidance and direction participants need to reconnect with their core values, redefine self-care and identify sustainable practices that promote mental and emotional renewal – a renewal that lingers at work and in life. The tools and strategies Tunja shares in this session will leave listeners inspired to prioritize their own care.

(CEU Presentation)

Skip Simpson

Avoiding the Malpractice Snare

This presentation will cover areas which are most often the source of law suits against mental health providers focusing on the failure to protect patients at risk for suicide. It will demonstrate what a seasoned trial attorney evaluates when reviewing a case for potential litigation. Hopefully it will take the fear from lawsuits out of practicing mental health.

(CEU Presentation)