Studies estimate that approximately 50% of psychiatrists and 25% of psychologists will lose at least one patient to suicide over the duration of their careers.  These losses have significant emotional impact on the mental health practitioner, including intense levels of grief and guilt, as well as feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.  This distress can lead to isolation and professional difficulties. 

The Department of Psychiatry hosts this biennial symposium to address this serious topic, with the purpose of providing a structured, safe environment where mental health trainees and practitioners may obtain collegial support and education to reduce the fear and stigma surrounding patient suicide.  The symposium's curriculum will focus on the role of clinical intervention utilizing didactic presentations, small group discussions, and role play to explore assessment of risk, the development of a suicide safety plan and means restriction, as well as the experience of patient loss to suicide.  Anonymous pre- and post-conference surveys will be administered to all attendees.