A Support Group Intervention for at-Risk Female High School Students

In this practice-improvement project, 14 high-risk female high-school students showing signs of depression completed a questionnaire about risk & protective factors during assessment & at the end of intervention. 12 participated in a weekly support group designed to enhance coping skills & provide emotional support. Assessment revealed that they were at suicide risk. At the conclusion of intervention, there was a 55% decrease in suicidal ideation, among other improvements. Most of the students also became engaged in formal treatment for the first time. (23 refs)