Practically Speaking: Behind the Episode - Math, Science, and Emotional Health: CBT for Suicide Prevention at School
Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 through 14. It’s a horrifying statistic that should spur us to action. On this episode of CDP’s Practical for Your Practice (P4P), we discuss a way to integrate emotional health into the school setting.
In my experience, the phrase “back in my day…” is rarely followed by any useful information. So accept my apology for what I’m about to say. Back in my day, school was mostly about academics: Math, biology, history, etc. Gym class was great when it ignited some athletic interest, but was not particularly good for my mental health when dodgeball was involved. In high school we were exposed to some basic life skills in home economics and driver’s ed, but I don’t recall emotional health being discussed, even in our health education classes. I suspect that classmates with potential mental health problems were sent to see the school counselor, who then provided referrals for outside care.
Listen to the full discussion here: Math, Science, and Emotional Health - CBT for Suicide Prevention at School
I was happy to learn that, these days, more attention is being paid to emotional health in school. Jenna and I were joined on this episode of P4P by Allison Hannah, LCSW, who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment to youth. More specifically, she talked with us about how to adapt CBT for Suicide Prevention for youth clients, with one option being to integrate services into the school setting.
Schools are often the first place where signs of mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, become apparent. Teachers and classmates may be the first to notice that a student is struggling. Integrating mental health services in school can facilitate timely support to children who may otherwise struggle to access appropriate care. Early intervention is key in preventing more serious mental health problems from developing as children grow older.
Providing mental health services within the school setting also helps to normalize seeking help and reduces stigma. Youth may feel more comfortable seeking help from a counselor or therapist in an environment where they already feel safe and supported. And integrated services can foster stronger connections between parents, educators, and mental health providers, ensuring a comprehensive support system. All of this can combine to increase self-esteem, build healthy coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation.
Listen in as Ms. Hannah describes her experiences in providing mental health services in the school setting, as well as her broader experiences implementing CBT for Suicide Prevention with youth. She shares resources for listeners to access training and consultation. And of course she shares her “Who’s Got Your Six?” story. This conversation is definitely more useful than anything I learned in Calculus class.
Listen to the full discussion here: Math, Science, and Emotional Health - CBT for Suicide Prevention at School
The opinions in CDP Staff Perspective blogs are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science or the Department of Defense.
Carin Lefkowitz, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and Senior Military Behavioral Health Psychologist at the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Lefkowitz earned her M.A. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology at Widener University, with a concentration in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 through 14. It’s a horrifying statistic that should spur us to action. On this episode of CDP’s Practical for Your Practice (P4P), we discuss a way to integrate emotional health into the school setting.
In my experience, the phrase “back in my day…” is rarely followed by any useful information. So accept my apology for what I’m about to say. Back in my day, school was mostly about academics: Math, biology, history, etc. Gym class was great when it ignited some athletic interest, but was not particularly good for my mental health when dodgeball was involved. In high school we were exposed to some basic life skills in home economics and driver’s ed, but I don’t recall emotional health being discussed, even in our health education classes. I suspect that classmates with potential mental health problems were sent to see the school counselor, who then provided referrals for outside care.
Listen to the full discussion here: Math, Science, and Emotional Health - CBT for Suicide Prevention at School
I was happy to learn that, these days, more attention is being paid to emotional health in school. Jenna and I were joined on this episode of P4P by Allison Hannah, LCSW, who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment to youth. More specifically, she talked with us about how to adapt CBT for Suicide Prevention for youth clients, with one option being to integrate services into the school setting.
Schools are often the first place where signs of mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, become apparent. Teachers and classmates may be the first to notice that a student is struggling. Integrating mental health services in school can facilitate timely support to children who may otherwise struggle to access appropriate care. Early intervention is key in preventing more serious mental health problems from developing as children grow older.
Providing mental health services within the school setting also helps to normalize seeking help and reduces stigma. Youth may feel more comfortable seeking help from a counselor or therapist in an environment where they already feel safe and supported. And integrated services can foster stronger connections between parents, educators, and mental health providers, ensuring a comprehensive support system. All of this can combine to increase self-esteem, build healthy coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation.
Listen in as Ms. Hannah describes her experiences in providing mental health services in the school setting, as well as her broader experiences implementing CBT for Suicide Prevention with youth. She shares resources for listeners to access training and consultation. And of course she shares her “Who’s Got Your Six?” story. This conversation is definitely more useful than anything I learned in Calculus class.
Listen to the full discussion here: Math, Science, and Emotional Health - CBT for Suicide Prevention at School
The opinions in CDP Staff Perspective blogs are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science or the Department of Defense.
Carin Lefkowitz, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and Senior Military Behavioral Health Psychologist at the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Lefkowitz earned her M.A. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology at Widener University, with a concentration in cognitive-behavioral therapy.