Vanessa McGann, Ph.D.

Let's Talk about Death: Suicide Assessment and Intervention in Adolescence

The CDC found that in 2011, nearly 16% of high school students reported having seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous 12 months. Yet as clinicians, we have both very little training in how to elicit suicidal thoughts and very strong concerns about discovering it. Going beyond the concepts of ideation, plan and intent, Dr. McGann will demonstrate how a thorough risk assessment begins with an exploration of our own fears and how a deep knowledge of our own limitations can paradoxically create stronger and more effective clinical interventions.

Dr. McGann is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in New York City. She is also a counselor at the New School for Social Research and faculty of the Child Psychotherapy Program of the William Alanson White Institute. She is a past chair of the New York City chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and current co-chair of the American Association for Suicidology's Clinician-Survivor task force. She consults on topics related to suicide to various agencies including the NY State Office of Mental Health, the US Veterans Administration, and the US Air Force. She currently serves on the Survivors of Suicide Task Force for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Location:
William Alanson White Institute
Room 3A
20 West 74th Street
New York, NY 10023

Registration:
There is no charge for this evening but seating is limited. RSVP NOW to reserve a space!