Saving our students: The importance of suicide prevention work in schools. IN Strengthening School Counselor Advocacy and Practice for Important Populations and Difficult Topics

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth in the US. School counselors are in a pivotal position to identify and intervene with children and adolescents struggling with suicide. School counselors have a legal and ethical obligation to incorporate suicide prevention efforts into their schools. This chapter focuses on current research, including evidence-based practices, as an important aspect of suicide prevention work. This chapter provides vital information related to prevention and intervention activities school counselors can utilize to help prevent suicide. Information related to the formation and function of crisis response teams as well as postvention is also included.