News

Mark your calendars and join us on May 3-4, 2017 when Dr. David Brent, co-founder and director of Services for Teens At Risk (STAR-Center), and the Department of Psychiatry will host An Update on Suicidal Behavior in Youth: Causes, Treatment & Prevention, a research symposium to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this innovative research, clinical and training program. 

The symposium will feature presentations by Dr. Brent and other international leaders in the field of youth suicide, and will focus on the causes of youth suicide, the best ways to assess risk, and a review of the latest evidence-based treatment and prevention approaches.Since its inception, STAR-Center has served as a laboratory for the development of best practices for assessment, prevention, intervention, postvention, and training. STAR-Center researchers have helped to establish the profile and risk factors for youth at risk for suicide, especially the contributions of mood disorder, substance abuse, and access to firearms. The research conducted at STAR and in collaboration with others across the United States have had a significant impact on the treatment of adolescents and their families.  This work has helped to establish the roles of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety and for the management of depressed suicidal patients and those with treatment resistant depression. It also has increased our understanding of the impact of bereavement on children and adolescents, how suicidal behavior is transmitted within families, and biological contributors to suicidal behavior and treatment resistant depression. 

STAR-Center is committed to the integration of education, prevention, treatment, and research in order to offer the best care for our youth.  Its mission is to offer state-of-the art, responsive care for youth and their families with depression, anxiety, or who are at risk for suicidal behavior, to train other professionals in best practices and to make these practices better through continued research.

The symposium will take place at the University Club on the Oakland campus.  Continuing education credits will be provided to attendees.

Visit the STAR 30th Anniversary web site for details about symposium and how to register.