The Rise in Depression and Suicide Rates Among Black Youth
May 13, 2022 @ 5:00 am - 8:00 am
The Rise in Depression and Suicide Rates Among Black Youth
Friday, May 13, 2022
Registration 8:30am Program 9am to 12pm
Presented By: Christina Kemp, Psy.D.
Location: Online Workshop
3 CE Credits
Act 48 Available
This workshop will explore the rise in rates of suicide in Black youth including the risk factors and protector factors. In addition, the roles of depression and worthlessness will be discussed, particularly in today’s climate with the lack of value that is placed on Black Lives. Lastly, the impact of racial identity will be explored as well as the increased support needed in schools and in larger community to support positive self-esteem, self-worth and mental health of Black youth.
Objectives:
- Analyze recent trends in depression and suicide among Black youth
- Identify key warning signs and symptoms of depression and effects on academic performance and behaviors
- identify risk factors and protective factors for suicide in this population
- Describe the importance of racial identity in the process of developing positive self-esteem and self-worth
- Demonstrate ways to reach out to students and families
- Discuss hands on strategies for supporting depressed students
Dr. Christina Kemp is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Kemp works full time for a school district and also maintains a private practice where she provides culturally competent therapy to individuals, couples and families as well as psychoeducational and psychological evaluations. Dr. Kemp currently serves as President Elect of The Psychology Network (Philadelphia Society for Clinical Psychologists). She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.
In her role as a school psychologist, she conducts Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services, serves as part of the school’s crisis team and is trained and recertified yearly in CPI (Crisis Prevention). Dr. Kemp also conducts suicide risk assessments for students when necessary and works closely with the school social worker, school counselors and mental health professionals in the community. Lastly, Dr. Kemp is part of the Social Emotional Learning committee where she has helped develop and implement a consistent and cohesive SEL curriculum for grades 2-5 delivered to each grade on a daily basis, covering topics such as empathy, respect, listening skills, and accepting differences. One of Dr. Kemp’s goals is continuing to research and examine data related to equity in education and ways to decrease the achievement gap between Caucasian students and students of color.
Dr. Kemp has taught a course and several lectures for the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) at Widener University where she earned her doctoral degree. She was the alumni mentor for Psychology Noir for two years, a mentoring group for graduate students of color in the IGCP doctoral program. She has written articles and led workshops pertaining to culturally competent therapy, mood and anxiety disorders, abuse and racial trauma. Dr. Kemp recently published a children’s book entitled, As You Grow, which celebrates the beauty, resilience, unique gifts and talents of children and the importance of children being just who they were created to be.
Dr. Kemp’s passion has always been to help others and advocate for marginalized groups. She is a former member of the National Coalition for 100 Black Women, where she served on the Health Committee planning community events for mental health awareness and women’s health issues. She was also honored as a Mover and Shaker for her advocacy work. Dr. Kemp was a presenter at the first Chester Wellness and Resiliency Symposium sponsored by the City of Chester, Northern Children’s Services and Widener University. Dr. Kemp’s passion for advocacy and service also led her to participate in mission trips both inside and outside of the United States. Dr. Kemp has always been committed to helping others while also empowering others to help themselves. She believes that stronger communities start with stronger families who can raise their children to be courageous, loving and bold thinkers.
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