The first book of its kind to address suicide, self-injury, and violence in school settings The frequency of suicide, students' self-injury, and violence in school settings requires preventative and response policies and procedures for the safety and protection of faculty and students. Suicide, Self-Injury, and Violence in the Schools: Assessment, Prevention, and Intervention Strategies is the first book to provide first responders—specifically, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and administrators—with information on assessing risk. In addition, guidelines are included on how to respond to these crises in a practical and proactive manner that minimizes risk and/or impact on the school community. The authors, nationally renowned experts on suicide, self-injury, and violence among children and adolescents, present: Critical information on suicide and suicidal behaviors specific to children and adolescents Pertinent issues related to nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors Guidance on conducting effective face-to-face clinical interviews with violent and potentially violent students and their families Important prevention and screening topics for middle and high school counselors Discussion on psychological first aid in response to school violence survivors and their parents Filled with mini-case vignettes, as well as checklists for school personnel to use, this timely reference supports school professionals in devising the very best prevention, intervention, and post?crisis strategies. It is a much-needed resource for establishing a collaborative, nonsuicidal, nonviolent environment both within and outside the school setting.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a baffling, troubling, and hard to treat phenomenon that has increased markedly in recent years. Key issues in diagnosing and treating NSSI adequately include differentiating it from attempted suicide and other mental disorders, as well as understanding the motivations for self-injury and the context in which it occurs. This accessible and practical book provides therapists and students with a clear understanding of these key issues, as well as of suitable assessment techniques. It then goes on to delineate research-informed treatment approaches for NSSI, with an emphasis on functional assessment, emotion regulation, and problem solving, including motivational interviewing, interpersonal skills, CBT, DBT, behavioral management strategies, delay behaviors, exercise, family therapy, risk management, and medication, as well as how to successfully combine methods.

A comprehensive guide for clinicians working with patients engaging in self-injury, this book provides information on clinical conceptualization, risk and protective factors, ways to assess for NSSI, treatment approaches and strategies, and early intervention and prevention strategies. Focusing on ethical and cultural considerations unique to schools, clinical agencies, and private-practice settings, the authors provide a practical and in-depth discussion of clinical theory. Procedures for determining risk and the potential problems with risk assessment, especially concerning suicide risk, are addressed. In addition to numerous exercises, examples, and suggestions for practical interventions, the book includes a variety of detailed worksheets and resources to expand readers’ level of understanding, monitor emerging trends, and provide a context for extended training. Several case studies are discussed and analyzed in order to highlight specific aspects of clinical conceptualization and treatment strategies. Drawn from a wide range of treatment populations and issues, this book is a valuable resource for clinicians and supervisors. The authors integrate outcomes-based research strategies and evidenced-based tools to help clinicians work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

"Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, accounting for 17% of all deaths in this age group. Yet completed suicides are just the tip of the iceberg. More than 5000 middle and high school students have a suicide attempt each day, and nearly one in five middle and high school students have seriously considered suicide in the past year. We do not fully understand how the pandemic has affected the long-term mental health and suicide rates of today's young people, yet all indications are that there will be multiple negative outcomes. It is within this context that the importance of the topic is situated, and readers are introduced to some of the key concepts and terminology regarding suicide"--

What is self-harm and what causes it? Learn the terms and concepts related to this type of behavior. Non-suicidal self-injury has been in existence to some extent for centuries. Today, the practices are increasing in terms of the number of people engaging in this often-baffling behavior. By the use of accessible language, rich descriptions of concepts, and realistic case examples, Cutting and Self Harm seeks to demystify these behaviors that afflict self-injuring individuals and negatively impact their family members and friends. Author Chris Simpson, PhD, has written and presented on the subject of self-harm since 2001. He begins the book by answering the question "What is cutting and self-harm and how does it occur?" and by explaining important terms and concepts related to the behavior. He then covers current controversies about self-harming behaviors and addresses frequently confusing topics, such as the contributing factors to self-injury, psychopharmacological treatment of the behavior, and the use of group therapeutic approaches in treatment facilities. The final section of the book presents additional resources for those impacted by self-injury.

Leadership for Safe Schools is every school and district leader’s guide to developing practical policies and carefully designed action plans to ensure that K–12 students are physically and psychologically safe, secure, and supported. With today’s students experiencing soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality—in addition to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the normalization of school shootings—school personnel desperately need multifaceted approaches that decrease violence, facilitate social connectedness, and promote emotional well-being. This book’s proactive, preventive, and responsive Three Pillar Model offers a coherent framework for creating safe and supportive schools and fostering student mental health. Each chapter guides school leaders and administrators to implement evidence-based interventions and strategies, including: strategies for school safety, threat assessment, suicide prevention, and anti-violence efforts easy-to-apply improvements to school climate and culture social supports for diverse students, including the marginalized, victimized, and at-risk effective partnerships with families, communities, and other spheres of influence principles from positive psychology and social-emotional learning research-based strategies for trauma-informed care and crisis response Whether you are a principal or superintendent; a school psychologist, counselor, or social worker; or a school resource officer, nurse, or proactive teacher, this book will be your all-in-one inspiration for fostering resilient learning environments and implementing multi-component prevention and intervention strategies to support students’ mental health.

Suicide in Schools provides school-based professionals with practical, easy-to-use guidance on developing and implementing effective suicide prevention, assessment, intervention and postvention strategies. Utilizing a multi-level systems approach, this book includes step-by-step guidelines for developing crisis teams and prevention programs, assessing and intervening with suicidal youth, and working with families and community organizations during and after a suicidal crisis. The authors include detailed case examples, innovative approaches for professional practice, usable handouts, and internet resources on the best practice approaches to effectively work with youth who are experiencing a suicidal crisis as well as those students, families, school staff, and community members who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide. Readers will come away from this book with clear, step-by-step guidelines on how to work proactively with school personnel and community professionals, think about suicide prevention from a three-tiered systems approach, how to identify those who might be at risk, and how to support survivors after a traumatic event--all in a practical, user-friendly format geared especially for the needs of school-based professionals.