The STAR Clinic received visitors in April. Deb Brodine, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital President, and Amy Sens, Human Resources Director toured the sixth floor of Bellefield Towers. In their post, they spoke highly of the resilience and patience of the team. If you weren't aware, the adjacent parking garage has been under (often loud!) renovations for several months. However, clear to all was the pride and value that the STAR staff have in their work. Thanks for the visit!
Annual STAR Center Suicide Prevention Conference
"Artificial Intelligence + Human Connection"
The conference held on May 15, 2026 served over 600 attendees from various backgrounds, including medical mental health practitioners, education professionals, and community members!
Our gratitude to the keynote speakers, Drs. Matthew Nock and David Schonfeld, our incredibly knowledgeable workshop presenters, and of course the participants for making this year's conference a success.
It has been an award-winning season for many members of the STAR team! This truly is a group of stars, making a big difference in the lives of young people and families. Congratulations to all!
Kim Poling, LCSW, STAR Clinical Program Director
Kim Poling received the Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES). Described as "one-of-a-kind" in the nomination letter, Kim has inspired hundreds of clinicians and interns and helped even more patients and their families during her tenure at STAR. We could not be more in awe of her dedication.
Candice Biernesser, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Candice Biernesser received the Center for Behavioral Technologies (CBIT) "The Future of" Digital Mental Health Rising Star Award for her work with youth-centered suicide digital interventions. Her "Future of" webinar is available to view here. Congratulations, Candice!
Tina Goldstein, PhD receives award for leadership excellence
Dr. Tina Goldstein, director of STAR Center, was awarded the Lisa Stanford Excellence in Leadership Award at the 2026 UPMC/Pitt Psychology Consortium. This award commemorates its namesake by highlighting exemplary, innovative, and resilient leaders in their commitment to the field of psychology. This recognition is well-deserved by Dr. Goldstein!
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.
STAR Center has been present at several events in the community to get the word out about our work and support other organizations with similar missions.
The Prevent Suicide PA Poster Contest Winner is Mya Reese from Central Columbia School District! Other noteworthy poster submissions as well as 30- and 60-second video winners can be found at the link.
Pennsylvania high school students are invited to learn more about the contest. Submissions for 2027 will open soon!
Past winners, videos, and more details on entering the 2026 contest can be found here.
Fall 2026 Updates and Announcements Services for Teens At Risk (STAR) Center STAR Center is excited to be sharing updates, stories, announcements, research, and more with the community. Thanks for reading! Visit the STAR website for more information. 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...
Winter 2025 Updates and Announcements Services for Teens At Risk (STAR) Center STAR Center is excited to be sharing updates, stories, announcements, research, and more with the community. Thanks for reading! Visit the STAR website for more information. STAR Clinic is located in Bellefield Towers on the University of Pittsburgh campus Annual STAR Center Suicide Prevention Conference "Artificial Intelligence + Human Connection" The Services for Teens At Risk (STAR) Center annual suicide...
Fall 2025 Updates and Announcements Services for Teens At Risk (STAR) Center STAR Center is excited to be sharing updates, stories, announcements, research, and more with the community. Thanks for reading! Visit the STAR website for more information. STAR Clinic is located in Bellefield Towers on the University of Pittsburgh campus Annual STAR Center Suicide Prevention Conference Save the Date - Friday, May 15, 2026 The Services for Teens At Risk (STAR) Center annual suicide prevention...
