Crisis intervention after the suicide of a teacher.

Educational institutions increasingly are requesting the services of mental health professionals after a suicide has occurred. Although such communities have sustained sudden shock and loss, the contagious quality of suicide results in uncertainty about the most appropriate response. We describe an intervention occurring after the suicide of an elementary school teacher. The intervention included a meeting with faculty, classroom discussions with the students most directly affected, and the availability of the school psychologist for individual meetings. In addition, a memorial service was held at the school. We argue that such a broad, multifaceted response contributes to the healing process and serves to minimize mental health difficulties after such an event. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)