Release date: January 15, 2024
Suicides and suicide attempts peak in spring and early summer, but research shows that the ideation and mental health issues that precede the acts are at their worst now, in the winter. My guest to discuss what you can do help kids who may be having suicidal thoughts is Carla Allan. Carla is the Chief of the Division of Psychology at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Her insights on this topic are both professional and deeply personal. This episode was intentionally produced to support the formation and coordination of adolescent-centered care and services, so you also will hear from Beheir Thompson and Vinny Chulani of the Arizona Alliance for Adolescent Health. It was recorded live using a webinar platform to encourage questions from alliance members and other listeners. More information about Carla and about the Arizona Alliance for Adolescent Health is below.
Biography of Carla Allan
With more than 10 years' experience in clinical psychology, Carla Allan, PhD, brings a deep sense of compassion and empathy to her work. An expert in - and passionate about - children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Dr. Allan expanded her focus to all aspects of pediatric mental health several years ago when she lost her sister to suicide. The experience helped solidify her "whole child-whole family" philosophy, with a focus on understanding the patients' and families' challenges while building on their strengths.
Biography of Beheir Thompson
Beheir Thompson (she/her) serves as Adolescent Health Program Coordinator for Affirm. Primarily, she works to include and uplift youth voice to ensure healthcare and social service spaces are welcoming, safe, and informed by the young people they serve. She has a background in Public Health, specifically, human growth and development, healthy weight, and behavioral health initiatives. She believes in the power of lived experiences and storytelling and uses this to inform her work and daily life. Beheir has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and families for over 10 years. She is passionate about creating spaces where folks feel a sense of safety and belonging, to build and sustain healthy relationships.
Biography of Veenod Chulani
Dr. Chulani is Section Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics in the University of Arizona -Phoenix Department of Child Health. He is also a founding member and clinical consultant to the Arizona Alliance for Adolescent Health. He completed his pediatric residency training at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York; his fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; and, his Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine. His clinical and research interests include adolescent sexual and reproductive health, the care of gay, lesbian, bisexual transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, health equity promotion and diversity and inclusion. He has lectured nationally and internationally on a host of topics related to Adolescent Medicine. He has delivered lectures and workshops nationally and internationally and is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his contribution to adolescent health.
Links
Carla Allan
Arizona Alliance for Adolescent Health
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