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Faculty

Cory Weissman

MD, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor; Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry
University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry

2026 Sessions

Suicide Prevention in Psychiatric Practice: A Logical, Evidence-Based Framework

Reducing suicide risk requires the thoughtful use of treatments with established evidence and clear clinical benefits. This session reviews pharmacologic strategies shown to lower suicidal behavior, with a focus on lithium, clozapine, and ECT alongside core principles of the use of antidepressants, mood stabilization, and relapse prevention. Faculty will also discuss the role of evidence-based behavioral approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through practical guidance on approach to patients, safety considerations, and longitudinal care planning, attendees will gain an evidence-based framework for integrating medication and behavioral strategies into individualized suicide prevention plans.<br><br>Session developed in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Speaker

Wednesday, September 16 4:30–5:30 PM
Room 211-213
AFSP Partner Session
Steering Committee Partner

Jill Harkavy-Friedman

PhD
Senior Vice President of Research
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD is the Senior Vice President of Research and leads the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s research program to advance the field of suicide prevention. AFSP's research program provides funding to research grants, offers workshops and training to researchers and disseminates research findings to increase public awareness and support advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention. With over 40 years of experience as a clinician and a researcher in the field of suicide prevention, she is passionate about translating research into practice, publishing over 130 peer-reviewed article and book chapters.

Dr. Harkavy-Friedman earned her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and her PhD. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Florida. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital. In 1984, she joined Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, establishing the Adolescent Depression and Suicide Program which is currently still active. In 1989, she moved to Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute where she was an associate professor in the department of psychiatry until 2025. She joined the staff AFSP in 2011. She maintained a clinical practice in Manhattan for almost 40 years.

Faculty

Cory Weissman

MD, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor; Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry
University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry
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