Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of children engaging in self-harming behaviors, and experiencing suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts. There are many proposed reasons for the increased incidence of such behaviors; unfortunately, many clinicians do not feel comfortable assessing for these concerns, nor confident in their abilities to triage, refer, and/or support children and their families through such experiences.

In this talk, we will review the most recent literature about and distinguish the differences between self-harm and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents.  We will also review assessment and evaluation strategies, and discuss local and regional options for treatment, triage, and referral for children and their families. Information will be shared both via didactic, but also small group and case-based learning.

Dr. Kristina Sowar is an Associate Professor and attending Psychiatrist in the Department and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UNM.  She is the Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship; she also is the Medical Director for the Child Psychiatry Emergency Services, and runs an outpatient eating disorder clinic for adults and children.  Dr. Sowar is passionate about education and mentorship for learners, and providing excellent collaborative clinical care.