Who You Treat: Teens & Adolescents

A Developmentally Informed Approach to the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide (CAMS) for Adolescents (CAMS-4Teens) and Engaging Parents in Treatment

Date: September 22, 2022

The developmental adaptation of CAMS for adolescents and introduces the CAMS Parent Report Form (CAMS PRF), a clinical tool designed to bring parents into suicide-specific treatment in a structured but flexible way. This paper offers practical guidance for clinicians on assessing parent strengths and needs, integrating parent perspectives without compromising the youth’s collaborative relationship with the therapist, and using the PRF to inform treatment and discharge planning.

Authors: Jennifer B. Blossom, Abby Ridge-Anderson, Molly C. Adrian, and David A. Jobes.

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About the Author

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP
David Jobes, PhD, ABPP, is the founder of CAMS-care, LLC. He began his career in 1987 in the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America, where he developed a suicide risk assessment tool for college students that evolved into CAMS. Dr. Jobes is now a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Clinical Training at Catholic; he has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the United States and abroad in evidence-based assessment and treatment of suicide risk and the use of CAMS.

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Advancing Suicide Intervention Strategies for Teens (ASSIST): Study Protocol for a Multisite Randomised Controlled Trial

Date: December 12, 2023

ASSIST is the protocol for a three-arm RCT comparing the Safety Planning Intervention with structured follow-up (SPI+), the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), and enhanced usual care for adolescents transitioning from acute to outpatient care after a suicidal crisis. Conducted across two pediatric hospitals, it will help build the evidence base for brief, scalable, suicide-specific interventions for youth.

Authors: Molly Adrian, Elizabeth McCauley, Robert Gallop, Jack Stevens, David A Jobes, Jennifer Crumlish, Barbara Stanley, Gregory K Brown, Kelly L Green,  Jennifer L Hughes, Jeffrey A Bridge

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About the Author

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP
David Jobes, PhD, ABPP, is the founder of CAMS-care, LLC. He began his career in 1987 in the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America, where he developed a suicide risk assessment tool for college students that evolved into CAMS. Dr. Jobes is now a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Clinical Training at Catholic; he has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the United States and abroad in evidence-based assessment and treatment of suicide risk and the use of CAMS.

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Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality for Teens: A Promising Frontline Intervention for Addressing Adolescent Suicidality

Date: June 4, 2021

A pilot open trial of CAMS adapted for adolescents (CAMS-4Teens) with 22 outpatient teens ages 13–17 who presented with elevated suicidality. The model was found  feasible, acceptable, and delivered with high clinician adherence, with a large effect-size reduction in suicidal thoughts — preliminary evidence supporting a fully powered trial of CAMS as a frontline treatment for youth at risk.

Authors: Molly Adrian, Jennifer B. Blossom, Phuonguyen V. Chu, David Jobes, Elizabeth MeCauley,

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About the Author

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP
David Jobes, PhD, ABPP, is the founder of CAMS-care, LLC. He began his career in 1987 in the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America, where he developed a suicide risk assessment tool for college students that evolved into CAMS. Dr. Jobes is now a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Clinical Training at Catholic; he has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the United States and abroad in evidence-based assessment and treatment of suicide risk and the use of CAMS.

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The Hope Institute Approach to Suicidal Risk

Date: March 10, 2025

The Hope Institute offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional suicide care. Rather than relying on costly emergency visits or hospitalizations, THI provides intensive, evidence-based outpatient treatment using two proven approaches — CAMS and DBT — to stabilize individuals in crisis and help them build a life worth living. With a 98% successful discharge rate and treatment costs significantly lower than conventional care, The Hope Institute is redefining what effective suicide-focused care looks like.

Authors: Derek Lee & David Jobes

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About the Author

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP
David Jobes, PhD, ABPP, is the founder of CAMS-care, LLC. He began his career in 1987 in the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America, where he developed a suicide risk assessment tool for college students that evolved into CAMS. Dr. Jobes is now a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Clinical Training at Catholic; he has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the United States and abroad in evidence-based assessment and treatment of suicide risk and the use of CAMS.

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Kids Today: Thoughts From Research, Practice, and the Classroom

Drawing on over 35 years of suicide research, clinical practice, and the college classroom, Dr. Jobes – developer of the CAMS Framework® – offers a nuanced, evidence-informed perspective on today’s youth. Through the voices of young people themselves, the article challenges generational stereotypes and makes a compelling case for creating more space for young people to be heard, understood, and supported.

Read the full article: Kids Today: Thoughts From Research, Practice, and the Classroom

About the Author

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes Ph.D. ABPP
David Jobes, PhD, ABPP, is the founder of CAMS-care, LLC. He began his career in 1987 in the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America, where he developed a suicide risk assessment tool for college students that evolved into CAMS. Dr. Jobes is now a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Clinical Training at Catholic; he has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the United States and abroad in evidence-based assessment and treatment of suicide risk and the use of CAMS.

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What Stops People Seeking Help?

A compelling evidence-based talk examining why suicide prevention in the UK continues to fall short — not from lack of effort, but from intervening too late, persistent stigma, and treatments not designed for suicidality. Professor Zaffer Iqbal, Clinical Director of Psychological Services, University of Hull, presents a clear case for redesigning how and when we engage people at risk.

After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt

Posted on by Heidi Hamamoto

What to Do After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt — and How CAMS-Care Can Help

When a child has attempted suicide, the days and weeks that follow are often filled with fear, confusion, guilt, and uncertainty. Many parents describe feeling overwhelmed — unsure of what to say, what to do next, or how to help their child begin to heal. The video Parents to Parents: After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt was created to speak directly to these very real experiences, offering guidance from both clinicians and other parents who have walked this difficult path.

This guidance aligns with principles from the Zero Suicide Initiative, an organization that offers evidence-based, suicide prevention consultation and guidance. Research on the Zero Suicide Framework shows that care is improved (individually and at a system level) when it is proactive, collaborative, and specifically focused on suicide risk rather than general mental health alone.

The video linked at the bottom of this page can help parents understand what recovery actually looks like after an attempt: how to talk with their child, how to create safety, and how to partner with clinicians in a structured and hopeful way during a frightening time.

1. Acknowledge the Emotional Impact

First and foremost, it’s important for caregivers to recognize and validate their own emotions. Guilt, fear, anger, panic, numbness, and even relief can all coexist in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. These feelings are understandable — and common.

The video underscores that, while it can feel isolating, parents are not alone, and their reactions are shared by many families who have survived this crisis.

2. Understand What Comes Next

After the immediate medical response (emergency care, hospitalization if needed), the focus shifts to support and safety. This includes:

  • Co-creating a safe home environment by removing/securing or reducing access to potential means of harm.
  • Engaging with clinicians and mental health providers to initiate follow-up care, including therapy and psychiatric support.
  • Listening openly to your child’s feelings and thoughts without judgment, and letting them know they are loved, valued, and safe. The film encourages parents to learn what signs to watch for, how to talk about the attempt with their child, and how to make mental health care accessible.

3. Seek Evidence-Based Suicide-Focused Care

One essential piece in a child’s recovery journey is accessing evidence-based therapeutic approaches that focus specifically on suicidality rather than general mental health management alone. One such model is the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) — often referenced in suicide care communities and clinical settings.

CAMS is a suicide-specific treatment framework that actively involves the young person in identifying what is “driving” their suicidal thinking and collaboratively building a plan to address those drivers. It’s not a rote checklist; it’s a flexible, empathic approach where the clinician and child (or family) work together to:

  • Assess suicidal risk in depth
  • Create personalized safety and stabilization plans
  • Build treatment beyond safety and stability that moves teens towards lives they find worth living
  • Track progress and adapt care as needed

This model has been supported by research showing reductions in suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and distress, and improved engagement with care — all critical in the period after an attempt.

CAMS-4Teens® is a framework in which a clinician works with the parents to keep the home safe and provide guidance on how best to support your child through a course of CAMS treatment( typically six to 8 one-hour sessions) using the Stabilization Support Plan (CAMS-4Teens: Working with Parents).

Parents can locate a CAMS Trained™ clinician in their area using the CAMS‑care Clinician Locator.

4. Build a Support Team Around Your Child

Recovery is rarely a solo journey. The video highlights the value of connecting with both professional and community support — including family therapists, school counselors, peer support groups, and other caregivers who understand the experience. Parents who have been there often say that having someone to talk to — whether a trained provider or another parent who has survived similar circumstances — can make all the difference.

5. Maintain Hope and Patience 

Perhaps the most crucial message is one of hope. While a suicide attempt is a serious and frightening event, it does not mean a child is beyond help or that recovery isn’t possible. With appropriate care, safety planning, ongoing support, and open, compassionate treatment and communication, many families find their way back to stability and connection. Over time, parents and children can work toward healing together — learning new ways to cope, to stay connected, and to build a future worth living.

Please visit Supporting Parents | Zero Suicide where the film can be viewed in chapters and there are additional resources for healthcare providers, faith leaders, and schools.

Supporting Clients Between Sessions: Peer Support and New Data from NowMattersNow

When clients are struggling most, support often needs to extend beyond the therapy hour. This webinar introduces Now Matters Now’s (NMN) three free programs, with a focused look at NMN Peer Support Meetings and new engagement and outcomes data, highlighting how peer support can complement CAMS-informed care between sessions.

Ursula Whiteside, PhD

About Ursula Whiteside Ph.D.

Dr. Ursula Whiteside is a licensed psychologist, certified DBT clinician, and founder/CEO of NowMattersNow.org. She trained for over a decade directly with Dr. Marsha Linehan, the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Today, NowMattersNow.org hosts the world’s largest lived-experience DBT skills library, offers free weekly DBT Peer Support Meetings, and provides a brief intervention for overwhelming suicidal urges.

Dr. Whiteside serves as Clinical Faculty at the University of Washington and as national faculty for the Zero Suicide initiative. She is co-founder of United Suicide Survivors International and advises on AI chatbot development, centering the lived experience, preferences, and safety of suicidal users. Dr. Whiteside is open about her experiences with intense emotions and suicidal thoughts.

 

David A. Jobes, PhD

About David A. Jobes, Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor of Psychology, Director of the Suicide Prevention Laboratory, and Associate Director of Clinical Training at The Catholic University of America. Dr. Jobes is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, at Uniformed Services University. He is the author of seven books and hundreds of articles and book chapters. He is the creator of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and one of the founders of CAMS-care, LLC (a professional training and consultation company). Dr Jobes is the recipient of many awards such as the 2022 Alfred M. Wellner Award for Lifetime Achievement (for research excellence) from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and the 2025 “Erwin Ringel Service Award” for contributions to suicide prevention from the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP). He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is board certified in clinical psychology (American Board of Professional Psychology). Dr. Jobes maintains a private clinical and consulting practice in Washington DC and in Maryland.

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The Network Effect: Turning Connection into Protection in Suicide Prevention

Communities are made up of relationship networks, but we rarely consider how the structure of these networks—and the interaction between them—shapes suicide prevention. Prof. Tony Pisani reveals how shared trusted connections promote protection, why even small changes in networks make a difference, and how organizations can strengthen these networks to better serve people in their communities. Drawing on research and case examples from high schools, healthcare, and the military, Tony highlights innovative, network-informed approaches. Through reflective exercises, attendees will explore how these insights apply to their life, team, and work, leaving with actionable strategies to build networks that promote connection and wellbeing.

Holly Wilcox, PhD

About Tony Pisani, Ph.D.

Tony Pisani is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide and the founder of SafeSide Prevention has devoted his career to preventing suicide and promoting wellbeing, combining research at University of Rochester with practical implementation as the founder of SafeSide Prevention. Author of more than 40 peer-reviewed papers and host of the Never the Same Podcast, his work spans research, education, and real-world implementation across healthcare, military, and community settings in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

David A. Jobes, PhD

About David A. Jobes, Ph.D. ABPP

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor of Psychology, Director of the Suicide Prevention Laboratory, and Associate Director of Clinical Training at The Catholic University of America. Dr. Jobes is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, at Uniformed Services University. He is the author of seven books and hundreds of articles and book chapters. He is the creator of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and one of the founders of CAMS-care, LLC (a professional training and consultation company). Dr Jobes is the recipient of many awards such as the 2022 Alfred M. Wellner Award for Lifetime Achievement (for research excellence) from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and the 2025 “Erwin Ringel Service Award” for contributions to suicide prevention from the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP). He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is board certified in clinical psychology (American Board of Professional Psychology). Dr. Jobes maintains a private clinical and consulting practice in Washington DC and in Maryland.

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Black Youth Suicide: Investigation of Current Trends and Precipitating Circumstances

Posted on by STOLBER Digital

Black Youth Suicide

Seeing rising suicide rates in certain populations is always a cause for concern. It is especially concerning when these rates are happening among young people. In the U.S., suicide rates among Black youth have been increasing in recent years. While there are many possible factors, this should signal that work needs to be done and change needs to be made. 

 

Suicide Trends Affecting Black Youth

From 2018 to 2021, suicide rates increased from 8.2% to 11.2% for Black youth ages 10–24. [1] It was the third leading cause of death for this age demographic in 2022. [2] When looking further back, in the last 25 years, self-reported Black youth suicide attempts have increased by a staggering 73%. [3] Among Black youth, suicide rates for males were four times higher than females in 2021. [4]

 

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, suicide rates among Black populations peaked for youth between the years 2011–2020. There was a sharp spike in suicide rates starting for those around age 15 with the highest rates being in the 25–34 age range. However, rates slowly and steadily declined with each age group afterwards. This pattern is noticeably different than that of the overall U.S. population, where the highest suicide rates happen between the ages of 45–54 as well as 75 and older. [5] These numbers signal a huge concern that Black youth do not have appropriate mental health support. 

 

Why are Black Youth at Risk?

Black communities face various barriers to treatment and support when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention. Youth may face particular challenges when it comes to finding and accessing limited resources. They also deal with other risk factors that often surround them. These difficulties can put them at a disadvantage. Here are a few of the leading factors when it comes to suicide risk among black youth. 

 

COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic hit some communities harder than others. Youth in particular were put in a difficult position. They had to adjust to remote learning, miss out on important milestone events, and were isolated from their friends. Black youth specifically may have faced even more difficulties, especially those living in low-income areas or households. Some segments of the Black youth population struggled greatly. They faced challenges from not having the tools or technology to keep up with school from home. Others were affected by being stuck in an abusive home environment. A study from the state of Maryland found that suicide rates doubled for Black youth during the early days of the pandemic. [6] However, it’s important to remember that even before the pandemic, suicide rates in Black youth were already rising, signaling that other factors have been playing a role.

 

Trauma exposure

Another contributing role in Black youth suicide is the exposure to trauma, violence, or other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Racial discrimination is one example of an ACE. This can be detected in children as young as six years old and is likely to stick with them throughout their lives. [7] Additionally, Black youth who are living in racially segregated and low-income areas are more likely than their peers to experience or witness violence in their families or neighborhoods. [8] Generational trauma may also be present in those whose parents or grandparents experienced violence, abuse, or discrimination. About 65% of Black youth report experiencing some kind of trauma in their lives. [9]

 

Limited access to culturally appropriate mental health care

Many Black communities are faced with barriers when it comes to receiving mental health care, especially care that is culturally appropriate. Socioeconomic disparities play a big factor, making it difficult for many in Black communities to access and afford the care they need. Only about 25% of Black people in the U.S. seek mental health care treatment, compared to 40% of white people. [10] Finding culturally appropriate mental health care is also important—yet it can be another barrier. Only about 2% of the U.S. psychologists are Black. [11] Seeing a Black mental health professional may not feel necessary to some. However, it’s important to find someone who is trained to provide culturally sensitive care. This creates a safe, judgement-free space and helps trust be more easily built. 

 

Taking Steps Toward Black Youth Suicide Prevention

In order to start seeing a decline of suicide rates among Black youth, change has to be made across the board. First, investing in more research specifically focused on Black youth can be a way to shed more light on this growing problem. It can help others see that larger, systemic change needs to happen within Black communities. This includes better and more affordable access to quality healthcare. Additionally, the healthcare provided should be culturally appropriate. Finding ways to support current and future Black psychologists is another step in helping Black youth get access to culturally sensitive care. Finally, it’s important to continue to have open conversations around mental health to break the stigma. Many communities continue to push the narrative that opening up makes a person appear weak. Families and communities need to become safer places for young people to share their feelings, experiences, and ways they may be struggling.

Black youth need more support now than ever when it comes to their mental health. From the struggles of the pandemic to lack of appropriate and accessible resources, many in this population feel stuck and don’t know where to turn when they’re struggling. However, steps can be taken to help Black youth feel seen, heard, and supported. Through continual small steps and increased public awareness of this crisis, the seeds for change can be planted. This can start to positively impact Black communities and future generations.

If you’re curious to learn more, watch Strengths-Based Approaches to Suicide Prevention in the Black Community, an on-demand webinar hosted by Jasmin Brooks Stephens, PhD. In this talk, Dr. Brooks Stephens covers socio-cultural risk factors for Black youth as well as outlines steps that can be taken to address this crisis. 

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7206a4-h.pdf 

[2] https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrican-americans 

[3] https://theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/ring_the_alarm-_the_crisis_of_black_youth_suicide_in_america_copy.pdf 

[4] https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrican-americans 

[5] https://sprc.org/about-suicide/scope-of-the-problem/racial-and-ethnic-disparities/black-populations/ 

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10227859/ 

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9035019/

[8] https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/complex_trauma_facts_in_urban_african_american_children_youth_families.pdf 

[9] https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/black-mental-health 

[10] https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/black-mental-health 

[11] https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/black-mental-health