DBT Treatment for Suicidal Adolescents.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers and non-suicidal, self-injurious behaviors are more prevalent than ever. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported treatment aimed at helping decrease these types of behaviors. This workshop will present the theory behind DBT and will introduce the skills used to teach teens to more effectively manage their emotions.
Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD is an expert on teenage suicide. We are looking forward to her Presentation this week (Wednesday, March 4th).
Something New! Contribute to this Blog, and you may win a free FCP workshop! Details will be availible at this workshop on March 4, 2009.
Overall, I enjoyed today’s workshop. Dr. Hartstein was a very good speaker with lots of knowledge and energy. She presented some very scary statistics on adolescent suicide ideation, attempts and completion rates. I’m sure that these numbers were eye-openers for the other Mental Health Professionals in the audience.
Obviously, the complex nature of “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” (DBT). cannot be explained or taught in 3 hours. I think that Dr. Hartstein presented an excellent overview of this treatment program during the time allotted. This is an “evidence based” treatment program effective with “Multi-problem, Suicidal Adolescents” and adults, especially those diagnosed with “Borderline Personality Disorder”.
During the past many years, I have referred suicidal, BPD patients from my “traditional” practice for this treatment. I have been impressed with the results for patients with these specific problems. Despite the success of this treatment modality, I have a few questions for the Mental Health Professionals in the audience. 1. Two to four sessions per week (group, individual, etc), plus psychiatry visits for medication sounds very expensive. Who pays for this? 2. The level of commitment for the therapist, especially with the 24/7 consultation requirement is profound and noble. How many patients can they see? How do they make a living?
I noticed some parents and, perhaps college and high school students in the audience. I would like to get feedback from them as well.
Finally, I was disappointed in the lollipop. The wrapper said coconut, but it tasted like sugar.