When a Student Attempts Suicide: The Seven Next Steps

As tragic as college student suicides are, these deaths are only part of the story. 

Suicide may be the second-leading cause of death for college students, but the number of those who come close is even higher. 

Experts estimate that 10 to 15 percent of college students think seriously about suicide each year, and 2 to 4 percent will attempt it.

Risks abound in the aftermath of a suicide attempt – for the student, the student’s family and friends, the broader campus community and the institution itself.

There may also be serious legal consequences, particularly for residential colleges and universities.

This 90-minute seminar gives you a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to addressing the key issues related to student suicide attempts and safeguarding your institution. 

You receive supplemental tools including blank versions of checklists and worksheets, lists of do’s and don’ts, and questions for further discussion.

We share expertise on counseling and higher education law to guide you through the following seven areas:

1. The Initial Crisis – Learn about dangerous behaviors and communication needs
2. Admission to a Hospital – Find out about the legal procedures you need to have in place
3. Communication – Study ways to organize communication to help the student, meet reporting obligations, protect privacy
4. Circle of Impact – See how to respond to the larger campus community affected by this event
5. Return – Explore appropriate ways to negotiate next steps, whether they involve a separation or return to campus
6. Watchful Eye – Review best practices for follow-up work with students
7. After the Storm – Focus on how to keep students safe after discharge

Who Will Benefit?

• Housing and residential life staff
• Counseling directors and staff
• Dean of Students
• Vice president of Student Affairs

Learn From Leaders in the Field

Dr. Van Brunt, past-president of the American College Counseling Association, is a nationally recognized speaker and presenter. The director of Counseling and Testing Center at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Van Brunt has presented for many national and regional associations and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in counseling.  He has given keynote addresses on working with at-risk students for higher education institutions across the country. His extensive publications include work focusing on responding to a death on campus and handling medical withdrawal from campus.

Carolyn Reinach Wolf, J.D. is a partner in the law firm of Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einiger, LLP. She is a frequent speaker and consultant for higher education institutions, health care and mental health organizations. She has extensive experience in helping professionals of all backgrounds learn about the intersection between mental health and health care law.

The Discussion Guide for Facilitators

You also recieve the Discussion Guide for Facilitators, which has just the tools you need to get your whole campus involved in developing a coordinated response to students facing a mental health crisis. Keep the conversation going, put the strategies you learned to work and find ways to share best practices.

TO ORDER: When a Student Attempts Suicide: The Seven Next Steps
Description Price Seminar CD only $309 Seminar CD w/ Campus Access License $509	Satisfaction Guaranteed If you're not completely satisfied, return your purchase within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.