1. Coffee With the counselors: Suicide and Mental Health Care
Presented November 30th, 2018
Ryan M. Hill, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Section of psychology, department of pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine and Texas children’s hospital

2. Suicide: How Common Is iT?
About 1 in 6 high school students have seriously considered suicide in the past year
About 1 in 12 made a suicide attempt in the past years
2nd leading cause of death among year olds

3. Suicide: Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Risk factors = anything associated with risk
Bullying (victim or bully), depression, anxiety, behavior problems, traumatic experiences, history of abuse, stressful events, being LGBTQ+, chronic health problems, substance use/abuse...
Warning signs = Things that indicate possible risk right now
Ideation, plans, preparations, writing a suicide note or giving away prized possessions
Mood changes, withdrawal, “major” stressors

4. What Do I do? First, be sure to ASK about suicide
Suicide is not a bad word!
Seek out help – I don’t expect you to be a therapist
But we will need your support!
Always, always, always take it seriously
When your therapist asks you to do something, please do it.

5. What does care look like?
Often we begin with a “risk assessment” to determine what level of care is needed
Safety plans & Monitoring
Therapy
Medication
Hospitalization

6. Navigating the mental health care system

7. Types of care providers
Psychiatrists – MD, usually specialize in medication-based treatment
Psychologists – PhD or PsyD, use “talking” therapy
There are lots of types of therapy
As a general rule, an “evidence based” therapy is one that has been studied, tested, and we know it works (but not necessarily for everyone)
Licensed professional counselors (LPC), licensed psychological associates (LPA), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
Licensed master of social work (LMSW)

8. The Process Call to make an appointment First visit
Usually asked provide a brief summary of why you are seeking services
First visit
Typically starts with an assessment, ranging from 1-2 hours
May be followed by “testing” – this is just a longer, more detailed assessment
The provider will then outline a treatment plan and you can begin treatment
Treatment schedules depend on the type of services you are receiving

9. What does therapy look like?
Inpatient therapy – typically 7-10 days on an inpatient unit
Usually used for high risk situations, children who are suicidal, etc.
Just intended to stabilize – they don’t “get you better” in a week
Outpatient therapy – typically 1 hour per week, for several months
May be individual, group, or family
Intensive outpatient – typically 2-3 hours per day, several days a week, for several weeks
Typically followed by outpatient therapy

10. Be a savvy consumer
You should feel free to ask questions of the provider!
The first one may not be the best fit – it’s ok to shop around a bit.
Recommendation: Give it 3-6 sessions. If you or your child are not comfortable you may need to find a new provider. (Improvements may be small at first, but there should also be change.)
Therapy takes effort – from you and the provider. If you and your child don’t try to make changes, then nothing will change.
You should know what is going on in the therapy room.
You have legal rights to your child’s therapy notes/test results.
We are not the police/ICE.

11. What to bring Most providers will tell you what to bring with you
Being extra prepared is always helpful
Bring an ID (e.g., a driver’s license)
Bring any proof of guardianship (if divorced or separated, if child is adopted, etc.)
Previous testing/records
Any prescription medications
Any relevant medical/mental health history (type, dates, outcome)
Have any insurance paperwork available

12. Additional notes
Often there are wait lists – please be patient, but don’t be afraid to look around
Once you find a therapist you like, stick with it! (And don’t miss sessions!)
Often providers collaborate – your psychologist may suggest a psychiatrist of vice versa
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your child, is get care for yourself

13. General comments/questions?

14. Tools for Risk Management: Resources
Great resources for more information for youth/parents:
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ Youth)
To Write Love on Her Arms
Live Through This
Great resources for professionals:
American Association of Suicidology
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (for Safety Plan template)