Suicide Prevention for Older Adults

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This presentation will provide both statistics and background information to describe the problem of suicide among seniors in the United States; it will provide information that will help social workers better recognize warning signs and assess suicide risk; it will present theories and related interventions that have been utilized to address suicide; and, it will provide practical tools and tips to equip social workers to better serve this vulnerable population. In addition, a case example and role play exercise will be integrated into this workshop to provide hands-on experience conducting a suicide prevention safety plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the problem of suicide among seniors, including the prevalence, in the United States
• Learn a new conceptualization of suicide risk that can inform effective treatment for seniors at risk for suicide
• Become familiar with a new theory in social work that offers explanation for a central feature of suicide risk - perceived loss of life meaning and purpose, which is often a central driver of suicide risk for the senior population
• Learn about an application of the theory in the form of a suicide prevention intervention
• Practice the development of suicide prevention safety plan
• Learn about local and national resources that are available to individuals at risk for suicide and those who are otherwise touched by suicide

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ABOUT THE PRESENTER 

Dr. Joseph Hunter a highly experienced and well-educated behavioral health leader with over 16 years of combined state and federal government employment experience, primarily as a subject matter expert in the behavioral health field in the areas of substance use disorders and suicide prevention; he possess strong leadership and team building skills that have contributed to the development of numerous specialized innovations in the areas of clinical practice, research, and treatment programming; and, he is an experienced and talented educator for graduate students, as well as seasoned professionals. His education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (1989), a Masters Degree in Social Work (1993), and a Ph.D. in Social Work (2010). In 2005, Dr. Hunter was awarded the SAMHSA Dissertation Grant to complete his study on adolescent substance use disorder treatment. In 2011, Dr. Hunter was selected for two-year post-doctoral fellowship, and as a result was recognized as a VA/Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar. This year, Dr. Hunter has received distinguished recognition for his innovative work in behavioral health. Dr. Hunter serves as the VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY, currently on detail to the National Suicide Prevention Office. In addition, Dr. Hunter joined the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work as part-time adjunct lecturer in 2013. Currently, as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, he teaches Masters of Social Work (MSW) courses in the areas of: clinical practice with service members and veterans, evidence-based clinical practice in mental health settings, mental health and human development, and mental health research. He is also an New York State approved provider of online and in-person continuing education for licensed social workers in New York State, offering training privately and for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).