The suicide of a student has a rippling effect in the school environment as well as in the greater community, as a single adolescent death by suicide increases the risk of additional suicides. The process by which a completed suicide (or at times, suicidal behavior) increases the suicidal behavior of others is called contagion. When multiple…

There is increasing awareness that many children who present behavioral challenges have experienced relational trauma. These youngsters are not well served by traditional interventions in schools, treatment settings, and communities. Adults responsible for these young people often get drawn into conflict cycles and coercive interventions that only…

Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) is a technique that interrupts the conflict cycle and empowers students by helping them recognize their own patterns of difficult behaviors and develop more productive responses to emotional turmoil (Long, Wood, & Fecser, 2001). Focusing on the here and now, an adult using LSCI can help transform a crisis into…

Psychologists working in schools are often the first contacts for children experiencing a potentially traumatizing event or change in status. This article reviews basic concepts in crisis counseling and describes the components of psychological first aid. This form of counseling must be developmentally and culturally appropriate as well as…

Youth suicide is one of the most serious preventable health problems in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. According to a recent national survey of students in grades 9-12, nearly 15% of respondents had seriously considered suicide and 7% actually had attempted suicide in the previous 12 months. Moreover,…

"Professional" crisis caregivers (e.g., emergency responders, mental health providers, medical professionals, victim assistance counselors, and faith leaders) are trained to handle exposure to images of destruction and loss and to help victims or survivors cope with the impact of a crisis. They try to help individuals, schools, and communities…

Describes development of hospital-based crisis service for adolescents. Explains how Crisis/Assessment Unit (CAU) has met community need for responsive program for adolescents in acute psychiatric crisis. CAU development is described and critiqued. Typical case admitted for crisis services is presented. (Author)

Describes a method for using art therapy with adolescents in crisis. The model defines four trauma stages and associated art therapy goals. Presents an example of the model through a case study, including the art therapy approaches and method for assessing the art work and art processes. Proposes that hope is experienced through art and generative…

Describes life space crisis intervention that is excellent instructional example of intervention strategy that addresses peer exploitation in which bright, passive-aggressive student gets aggressive student to blow up and act crazy so that staff will have to intervene to control and punish impulsive student. Presents life space interview…

In response to the recent suicide epidemic, many school districts have struggled to devise suicide prevention procedures. Smithtown Central School District in St. James, New York developed procedures in 1983 using research data on the warning signs and risk factors relating to the suicidal child. These procedures focus on a multidisciplinary team…

Teenage depression and suicide are a growing problem across the nation. A New Jersey high school has developed a crisis management team to deal with such problems. Twelve steps to take in developing such a team are provided, along with guidelines on the referral process, student representation, and community support. (TE)

The adolescent suicide rate in the United States has tripled in the last 25 years. While suicides cause tremendous familial complications, this act also causes significant upheaval in the public school environment. The purpose of this paper is to offer an updated theoretical rationale as to why children and early adolescents are choosing suicide…

This paper describes a group of adolescents who met with a therapist after a friend had committed suicide. The purpose of the group was to discuss the feelings engendered by the suicide. The setting up of the group, an explanation of the victim's difficulties, and issues dealt with by the group are described. (Author)

Describes a system of action counseling for adolescents in crisis, focusing on counselor, peer, parent, and teacher roles. (BL)

Describes a comprehensive program in New York City developed to coordinate efforts of several youth agencies and provide extensive social services to youth. (NRB)