1. Identifying Youth at Risk
Troy Rodgers Psy.D. LPCC
Police and Criminal Psychologist
Forensic Behavioral Health Associates
PO Box 92002
Albuquerque, NM 87199
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

2. Intro to Your Presenter
Police Psychologist
Prevention Specialist
Consultant
Mental Health Provider
Disclaimer
Flexible Style
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

3. Who Is in the Audience ?
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

4. Presentation Goals Identify general Red Flags that a youth is at risk.
Guidelines for how to handle suicidal ideation.
Identify what happens after a report is made?
Address how to access local resources?
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

5. General Youth Information
Adolescents are in the midst of significant life change and potential life turmoil.
The world revolves around them.
Life is typically viewed as a series of small crises.
Toddler mentality is often present.
Teenagers are emotionally “charged.”
Fitting in is essential to their psychological stability.
They are behaviorally impulsive- much more so than adults.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

6. General Youth Information II
Rationality is not always possible.
They see the world differently from adults.
Hormones and chemicals create problems.
Less likely to have fears, worry about consequences, or general awareness of the fragility of life.
They have shorter attention spans.
They will most likely view themselves as a victim of something.
They desire and need approval.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

7. General Youth Information III
Identities are often underdeveloped and being sought out.
They often feel misunderstood.
They usually have limited problem-solving skills.
Their coping skills are limited as well.
Once they reach the 8th grade they are more readily influenced by peers than any other source.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

8. Red Flags that a Youth is in Crisis
Isolation or withdrawal.
Irritability.
Symptoms of depression or anxiety surface.
Alcohol or drug use.
Feelings if hopelessness or helplessness.
Constant discontent or cynicism.
Feelings or verbalizations of being out of control.
Practicing problematic behaviors.
Significant changes in dress, behaviors, friends, etc.
Highly sexual behaviors that was not there prior.
Self-harm
Writing or talking about death, suicide, etc.
Look at the big picture. . . Context is the key.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

9. Positive Steps to use with Adolescents and Youth
Respect them.
SLOW them down. Their minds and emotions go at 100 mph.
Show you care.
Ask them directly.
Engage them and empower them to make better decisions.
Listen to them- some of the most common complaints from teenagers is that no one listens to them.
Periodically check-in with them about how they are doing. Tone is crucial to the connection.
Use short, direct, and precise statements. All youth want structure and guidance even if they don’t know it.
Give reasons and explanations so they feel empowered.
Be humble.
Go down to their level.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

10. Basic Guidelines for Addressing Suicidal Ideation
Ask the questions- be direct and don’t avoid the issue. Don’t be afraid to say the words.
Take the time to gather information.
Ask about context.
Do they have a plan?
Do they have means?
Do they have a desire?
T.O.A.D.S (time, opportunity, access, desire, stimulus)
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

11. What Not to Do with a Suicidal Adolescent
Don’t trivialize or minimize their problems.
Don’t talk down to them or patronize them.
Don’t argue.
Don’t parent unless they ask you to.
Don’t assume you understand what they are going through.
Don’t interrupt them (unless strategically necessary).
Don’t judge.
Desensitizing them any further (video game phenomenon).
Don’t rush them.
Don’t lie to them.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

12. How to Intervene Put “trees” in front of them! Call 911
Take them to the hospital ER.
Call a suicide hotline for advice.
Contact a mental health provider.
Do not underestimate the potential for harm- denial is not an option.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

13. What Happens After the Call to 911
Transported to a hospital.
Assessed by a mental health provider.
Hospitalized or released with a follow-up plan.
Counseling (inpatient or outpatient).
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

14. Finding Local resources
Local police departments.
Local mental health centers.
Local prevention providers.
Youth organizations.
Local psychologists, social workers, counselors, etc.
School counselors or social workers.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

15. Summary All situations are not the same. Suicide happens in context.
People practice their behaviors- look for the warning signs.
Don’t be afraid to ask about suicide.
Be willing to listen.
Give yourself permission to intervene if needed.
Have a list of resources available in advance.
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019

16. Questions ???? Troy Rodgers Psy.D. LPCC
Police and Criminal Psychologist
Forensic Behavioral Health Associates
PO Box 92002
Albuquerque, NM 87199
Copyright (2011) FBHA
11/19/2019