Original Webinar Date: 06/05/2020
This presentation focuses on understanding the environment in which suicidality is possible. The presenter reviews key elements of the psychological and social environment that increase likelihood of suicidality. To make a nuanced assessment, we must understand relevant cultural factors and their impact on an individual’s suicide risk. To that end, the presenter also provides a brief review of special risk factors for populations at increased risk for suicide. The target audience for this presentation is mental health professionals, including licensed and non-licensed staff.
Tiara Peterkin, LCSW, is an advanced practice clinical social worker who has been working in the field for 8 years. Ms. Peterkin started her journey into social work in 2007 as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving as a Youth Development Volunteer in Costa Rica. After completing her social work degree with a concentration in mental health and military social work, she worked in several Veterans Affairs social work programs, including homeless outreach, combat PTSD, the emergency department, homeless case management, suicide prevention, and outpatient mental health. Under her stewardship, the suicide prevention program was able to increase outreach and engagement activities throughout the Pacific Basin and has received supplemental funding from the national office to demonstrate innovative practices in suicide prevention. Ms. Peterkin is passionate about suicide prevention and is thrilled to share her knowledge with the audience.
