Legal Employers’ Guide to Understanding and Preventing Suicide and Other Mental Health Emergencies

Program Description:

This webinar will provide evidence-based best practices to recognize and support colleagues in need. Grounded in Dr. Thomas Joiner's Interpersonal-Psychological Theory[2] and the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention[3], this session will equip legal employers with the knowledge and tools to promote well-being and prevent suicide in their workplaces. Participants will also gain insights into effective workplace interventions and resources designed to foster a more psychologically safe and healthy work environment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand Mental Health Trends: Gain an in-depth understanding of current mental health trends and suicide risks within the legal profession, supported by recent research findings.
2. Explore Root Causes: Analyze the root causes of mental health challenges among legal professionals, with a focus on workplace stressors, cultural factors, and personal struggles.
3. Apply Evidence-Based Practices: Learn how to identify warning signs of mental health distress and apply evidence-based best practices to support colleagues.
4. Implement Workplace Interventions: Discover practical workplace interventions and resources aimed at improving overall well-being and reducing suicide risk in legal settings.
5. Integrate Dr. Joiner’s Theory: Explore how Dr. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory can be used to understand and prevent suicidal behavior among legal professionals.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D. MNM is a clinical psychologist and award-winning mental health advocate with extensive experience in suicide prevention. After losing her brother to suicide, she committed her life to improving mental health awareness and prevention strategies. Dr. Spencer-Thomas is the Co-Founder and President of United Suicide Survivors International and has led numerous initiatives, including the innovative "Man Therapy" program for men’s mental health. Her work emphasizes comprehensive and sustainable strategies for mental health promotion, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention in various high-risk professions, including the legal field. She has presented at prestigious forums globally, including the White House and TEDx, and co-authored multiple publications on workplace mental health and suicide prevention