Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Suicidal Adolescents: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Michele Berk, this book combines cutting-edge research and treatment development with practical clinical descriptions of evidence-based and evidence-informed treatment strategies for adolescents struggling with suicidality and self-harm.

The book provides valuable insights into clinical approaches that have shown promise in reducing the risk of suicide attempts and self-harm in teens, ultimately preventing the tragedy of premature death by suicide.

Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: A Crucial Step

The book begins with two essential chapters on risk assessment and safety planning, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters that present different approaches to psychosocial treatment.

Psychosocial Treatment Approaches: A Multifaceted Approach

Six comprehensive chapters delve into various psychosocial treatment strategies, each with its unique strengths and approaches. Although some share common theoretical roots and targets, each modality has distinct differences and mechanisms.

The treatment approaches covered in the book include:

• Restricting access to lethal means of self-harm
• Enhancing family support and functioning
• Strengthening emotion regulation

Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Suicidality

The book’s final chapter provides an in-depth look at pharmacological strategies for managing and treating suicidality, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers both psychosocial and biological risk and protective factors.

A User-Friendly Resource for Clinicians and Beyond

This valuable resource is designed to be user-friendly, with each treatment chapter following a consistent structure:

• Overview
• Theoretical model
• Review of current empirical evidence
• Primary treatment components and intervention strategies
• Case example
• Recommendations for implementing the approach in practice
• Resources for obtaining training
• Suggested readings

This format allows readers to easily compare treatment approaches and find relevant information.

A Practical Guide for Clinicians and Health Professionals

The book is practice-friendly, providing a comprehensive review of existing evidence-based treatments for at-risk adolescents in one accessible volume. This makes it easier for clinicians to learn about current findings in the field and choose between existing approaches.

The clinically rich chapters include case examples and suggestions for implementing each treatment into practice across a range of settings, making it an indispensable resource for clinicians working in diverse practice settings.

A Focus on Risk Assessment and Safety

The book places a strong emphasis on risk assessment and safety, exploring risk and protective factors in-depth and providing strategies for enhancing safety. These strategies are straightforward yet have the potential to save lives.

This book is not only essential for clinicians but also valuable for policy makers, health and behavioral health system leaders, and researchers engaged in the critical work of reducing suicide among adolescents.

By providing a comprehensive guide to evidence-based treatment approaches, this book aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of suicidal adolescents and their families.