Perspectives on Youth Suicide

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youths aged 10 to 24. Recently, researchers found that only 26% of teens thinking about suicide received mental health treatment. Parents, teachers and mental health professionals need to learn how to identify the warning signs and prevent youth suicide. This presentation will provide an overview of the following:

• Current theories of suicidal behavior
• Risk and resiliency factors for suicidal behavior among youth
• Therapeutic approaches for treatment of youth suicidal behavior

The program qualifies for 2 hours of CEU credit (LPC, LMSW and PhD). Space is limited, so please RSVP.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Charles W. Mathias, Ph.D. is an applied biopsychologist, specializing in research and education on the topic of aggressive and suicidal behaviors among teens. As director of community outreach for the Division of Neurobehavioral Research, Psychiatry Department UTHSCSA, Dr. Mathias regularly conducts training for local organizations for our community's at risk youth. Dr. Mathias also actively participates in the child psychopathology research community through his publications in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior (official journal of the American Association of Suicidology) and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Mathias partners with Clarity Child Guidance Center on studies of adolescent suicidal behavior, as well as treatment of aggressive youth in studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Arielle H. Sheftall, Ph.D. is a developmental psychologist specializing in research on the risk and protective factors of suicidality among adolescents. She is primarily interested in how family dynamics and attachment security can affect the relationship among at-risk youth and suicidal behavior. She has communicated her research findings in academic journals including the Journal of Adolescent Health, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Journal of Family Issues, Violence and Victims, and JAMA. Dr. Sheftall is currently involved in a longitudinal study, which recruits adolescent inpatients from Clarity Child Guidance Center, that observes the development of adolescents over time who have been hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder.

ABOUT US
Clarity Child Guidance Center is a nonprofit mental health treatment center providing programs designed specifically for kids ages 3-17. Our goal is to provide families throughout South Texas greater access to children's mental health care regardless of their ability to pay. Visit www.claritycgc.org for more information.