According to national data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), almost 32% of high school teen’s experienced “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” and 17% reported having “serious suicidal thoughts” during the previous 12 months.

When suicidal thoughts are experienced in a context where there is ready access to lethal means (e.g., dangerous medications, firearms), it can be a deadly combination. Identifying and treating the more prevalent correlates of suicidality at an earlier stage is a sensible entry point for prevention efforts versus waiting until youth experience much more serious emotional and behavioral crises in the context of K-12 schools (Michael, 2020). Two specific suicide prevention models relevant for youth in schools, the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) program and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) will be reviewed in detail during this workshop.

The workshop is designed to inform school mental health providers and educators on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of CAMS and CALM with students in K-12 schools.