The need for mental health support among Iowa students is increasing. In 2021, the CDC reported that 22.6% of Iowa high school students had seriously considered suicide within the past year. School staff play a critical role in identifying signs of distress, as they engage with students consistently and are often the first to notice changes in behavior or emotional well-being.
Schools can create a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of students, which can help prevent suicide. This workshop, designed specifically for educators, aims to equip participants with useful information and skills they can utilize in everyday interactions with students who are having thoughts of suicide. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, engage in open dialogue, ask about suicide, connect students with appropriate resources, and practice self-care.
Material presented in this workshop was co-created by Kaitlin Poock, LMSW; Jess Pavelich, BSW; Ryan Kidder, MSW, LISW; and Sam McVancel, PhD. Together, these clinicians bring over 50 years of experience in social work and psychology. These clinicians are currently based at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health Clinic, where they contribute daily to suicide prevention efforts.
Learning Goals
- Understand the current mental health climate in Iowa schools and the need for additional mental health support
- Recognize common warning signs for suicide
- Learn how to ask about suicide
- Build skills in connecting individuals with additional mental health and crisis support
- Gain additional self-care tools to utilize when helping others
Training Details
- Modality: In-Person
- Length: 90 minutes
- Cost: $750 (Pricing is subject to change based on the number of participants, trainers, and travel.)
- Training Capacity: 10-person minimum; 30-person maximum
- Presenters: 2 of the following clinicians - Kaitlin Poock, LMSW; Jess Pavelich, BSW; Ryan Kidder, MSW, LISW; and Sam McVancel, PhD.