Our focus as mental health professionals rightly falls to the patient portion of the therapeutic dyad. However, recent research reveals that clinicians are at risk for some of the same negative outcomes as patients with respect to depression and substance use. Over 400 physicians commit suicide annually, often influenced by preventable and predictable risk factors. This session will highlight the problems of clinician mental illness, lack of self-care, and comorbid substance abuse that can increase risks of serious adverse events, including suicide. The presenters will review the literature around clinician suicide, provide a case-based exploration of salient themes, and offer evidence-based approaches for self-care and professional support.
