Presenter(s)

• Alexis Davis, School Psychologist Intern, Florida International University
• Renee Bastian, School Psychologist Intern, Florida International University
• Philip Lazarus, Program Director, Florida International University

Abstract

Suicide rates have increased over the past decade, with young girls of color significantly adding to the trend. Black girls in particular are taking the lead with an increase of over 182% in the last twenty years (Price & Khubchandani, 2019). This mental health crisis appears to be “hiding in plain sight” (Alessandrini, 2021) and there is little research on what is causing this increase and how to prevent it. This poster presentation will address the crisis, explore the factors that contribute to Black girl suicide, and provide interventions that school psychologists and school-based professionals can employ to help respond to the crisis. Keywords: suicide, Black girls, mental health, school-based professionals