Treating Suicidality in African American Adolescents With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Methods for preventing adolescent suicide are surveyed, & cognitive-behavioural therapy is explored as a method for serving suicidal African American adolescents. Strengths, limitations, & compatibility of cognitive-behavioural therapy with social work values are examined. Suicide risk & protective factors & social inequities are evaluated as they relate to African American adolescents generally. It is suggested that in addition to relieving suicidal symptoms, cognitive-behavioural therapy could facilitate social liberation for this population. (41 refs.)