UA Little Rock, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Host Lecture on Treating Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescents Who Use Substances
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host a free virtual lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 28, showcasing research on how to create an integrated suicide and substance use intervention plan for adolescents receiving substance use treatment.
Dr. Christina Sellers, assistant professor of social work at Simmons University, will be presenting her research on “Integrated Suicide and Substance Use Intervention for Adolescents in Substance Use Treatments,” from 12:30-2 p.m. Feb. 28. The lecture is free to attend, and those interested may register via this online link.
“Suicide and substance use are often interrelated and worsen each other,” Sellers said. “Adolescents with problematic substance use typically receive outpatient substance use treatment, where suicidal thoughts and behaviors are rarely fully addressed.”
Sellers received a 2021 Young Investigator Grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for approximately $90,000 to develop a brief integrated substance use and suicide intervention plan developed collaboratively with clinicians and patients that can be delivered in an outpatient setting.
In the next phase of her research, Sellers will assess the intervention for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects on suicide and substance-related outcomes.
The event is sponsored by UA Little Rock Counseling Services, Wellness and Inclusion, and the Division of Student Affairs.
For more information, contact Assadi at axassadi@ualr.edu.
