KMHS Training addresses Youth Self-Mutilation

Kitsap Mental Health Services is sponsoring a one-day training to address the problem.

of self-mutilation and self-directed violence among youth. The training, entitled “Working Effectively with Clients who Self-Mutilate,” will be held on Wednesday, October 11, at Hillcrest Assembly of God Church in East Bremerton. 

Young women, and an increasing number of young men, are demonstrating an alarming rise in self-directed violence.  Actions such as repetitive cutting, burning and minor overdoses are viewed as “parasuicidal” or attention seeking behaviors. This training will examine the underlying needs expressed by these behaviors and develops ways to effectively assist these youth in gaining control over their actions. 

Randi Hankins, Associate Professor of Clinical Social Work at Walla Walla College will facilitate the training. Professor Hankins is certified as a Designated Mental Health Professional (DMHP) and works as a full-time clinician with the Crisis Response Unit in Southeastern Washington. She is also a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Child Mental Health Specialist.

Cost for the training is $49 and Continuing Education Units have been approved for Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Social Workers. The training presented is also appropriate for clinicians who work with adult clients.

Registration deadline is Friday, October 6. For additional information and to register, contact Sharon Reinhardt at Kitsap Mental Health Services, (360) 415-5807.

For additional information contact:
Rebecca Wilson
Director of Development and Community Relations
Kitsap Mental Health Services
(360)415-5871
Email: rebeccaw@kitsapmentalhealth.org