Clinicians as Suicide Loss Survivors: Postvention for Caregivers

In this course, Dr. Vanessa McGann, Ph.D., Chairman of the Loss Division of the American Association of Suicidology, Co-chair of the Clinician Survivor Task Force, notes that client suicide is “an occupational hazard” encountered by 50% of psychiatrists and 22% of psychologists. Though not generally trained to deal with this issue, clinicians go through a grief process after suicide which may be disenfranchised. McGann discusses the factors and client/patient variables that affect the grieving process. Professional stigmatisation and potential legal/ethical issues take their toll on clinical work and professional identity, but there can be post-traumatic growth as well as PTSD if a psychological review (“autopsy”) is conducted, if the client’s family is contacted with compassion, and if supervisors can be supportive.