Clinical Work with Suicidal Patients:
Assessment, Treatment, and Ethical Considerations

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., ABPP

David A. Jobes is a Professor of psychology (clinical faculty) and Co-Director of Clinical Training at The Catholic University of America. His research and writing in suicide has produced numerous publications (including three books on youth suicide) - his newest book on his “CAMS” approach to suicide was published by Guilford Press in 2006. As an internationally recognized suicidologist, Dr. Jobes has spoken to a broad range of audiences and is frequently interviewed within the media on the topic of suicide. Dr. Jobes is a past President of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and is the recipient of that organization’s 1995 “Edwin Shneidman Award” in recognition of early career contribution to suicide research. He has served as a research consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was a consultant to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Jobes is currently a consultant to the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and the US Air Force Suicide Prevention Program. He has previously testified before a US Senate Subcommittee on the topic of youth suicide. As a board certified clinical psychologist (American Board of Professional Psychology), Dr. Jobes maintains a private clinical and forensic practice at the Washington Psychological Center, P.C.

Schedule
Wednesday, Februrary 4, 2009

Program Overview

This presentation will cover the spectrum of information related to working effectively with suicidal patients.  Beginning with a foundation of relevant theory and research, this presentation will initially emphasize different approaches to clinical assessments of different kinds of suicidal states. This differential assessment focus will then transition into an examination of contemporary treatments and interventions for suicidal patients.  This discussion will include considerations of medications, various psychotherapies, the use of crisis response plans (instead of safety contracts), and the contemporary role of inpatient care.  This training presentation will end with an examination of ethical considerations, malpractice liability, and risk management.

Learning Objectives

1. To have a working knowledge of the theory and research that informs clinical practice with suicidal patients.
2. Be able to perform a competent differential assessment of suicidal states.
3. Be able to administer effective treatments for various suicidal states.
4. To learn about ethical issues related to suicide and how to decrease malpractice liability through competent practice, consultation, and documentation.