Annual STAR Center Suicide Prevention Conference

Save the Date: Friday, May 14, 2027

View last year's welcome message and keynote addresses from Drs. Nock and Schonfeld here.

Archived presentations are available on the STAR website.

Dr. Brent Award and Upcoming Lecture

Dr. David Brent is the recipient of the 2026 Leadership in Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Psychiatry Award from the American College of Psychiatrists. Congratulations!

Read the PittMed article about the foundation of Dr. Brent's work in youth suicide prevention here.

Interested in hearing more from Dr. Brent? View his upcoming Master Investigator Lecture "Passing Though: A Journey Toward Adolescent Suicide Prevention" on November 20, 2026 from 12-1 pm with this link. (Zoom passcode: 638897)

Changes at STAR Center

Not Farewell, but a Fond "See You Soon" to Kim Poling

After serving at STAR Center for 40 years, most recently as the Clinical Program Director, Kim decided to hang up her hat in July 2026. The team marked the occasion with parties, dinners, heartfelt speeches, and music-themed fun. Kim has been a guiding light for patients and staff alike, caring for all who came through the STAR Clinic doors. While she now has more time to spend at the beach, Kim will remain a part of STAR Center and continue to share her valuable insights and ideas.

Maria Anderson, after years of Kim's mentorship, is stepping into the role of managing the clinic.

A well-deserved retirement for Kim and promotion for Maria!

Mental Health Book Club

A new book club launched to give teams that don't usually work together a chance to build connections. STAR Center and CABS Clinic therapists, researchers, and administrative staff were invited to participate. We read Fawning by Dr. Ingrid Clayton and met over a lunch hour to discuss. It was a great discussion, and we are looking forward to the next club meeting!

New Faces at STAR Center

We are excited to welcome new staff to the STAR Clinic team!

Visit our staff page to learn more and subscribe to the newsletter for Staff Spotlights coming next issue!

STAR Center Retreat

Annually, the STAR team comes together to discuss the challenges and accomplishments of STAR over the past 12 months. We take time to reflect on the past year and brainstorm solutions and new ideas.

STAR Center in the Community

Professional Development and Trainings

As part of its mission, STAR Center develops and disseminates new knowledge and strategies for preventing and treating suicidal behaviors, depression, and anxiety to teachers, mental health professionals, and the public.

STAR staff have delivered presentations to hundreds of people in Pennsylvania and nationwide on a wide variety of topics such as suicide risk assessment and safety planning, crisis prevention and intervention, and care for providers and survivors.

Request a training for your organization here.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

The Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Month Guide is here!

Download the full guide at this link.

The GLS Clinical Training Series has webinars through 2027, with STAR presentations on peer support, safety planning, sleep, and postvention.

Learn more and register here.

Learn more about the Prevent Suicide PA Youth Poster Contest, including details for the 2027 contest.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is hosting an event for National Grief Awareness Day honoring survivors of suicide loss. Click the image to learn more.

STAR Research Highlights

From the STAR research team, read a newly published article in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. "The Impact of Family Factors on Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Psychotherapy Outcomes for Suicidal Thoughts, Behaviors, and Depression."
​

At ETUDES Center, learn about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI):