Friday, May 8, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Zoom | 1 CE
Program Description:
This presentation explores the ethical tensions inherent in managing suicide risk. Participants will examine ethical decision-making frameworks for populations where autonomy, confidentiality, and safety considerations create competing obligations—including LGBTQ+ youth facing family rejection, families with differing cultural behaviors and values, and individuals for whom involuntary treatment may increase rather than mitigate risk.
The session emphasizes moving from fear-based decisions to ethically grounded clinical reasoning, addressing questions such as: When does duty to protect override therapeutic alliance? How do we balance legal and regulatory obligations with cultural humility and person-centered care? What constitutes adequate documentation of sound ethical judgment versus defensive practice?
Participants will learn about practical approaches to informed consent processes that address risk collaboratively and documentation that reflects ethical reasoning in high-stakes clinical situations.
Level of Instruction:
Intermediate
Learning Objectives:
Workshop participants will be able to:
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Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to situations where safety and autonomy appear to conflict
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Evaluate when traditional risk management interventions might be ethically contraindicated for specific populations
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Develop consultation and documentation practices that demonstrate ethical reasoning in suicide risk management
About the Presenters:
Dr. Cerissa Desrosiers is the owner and Clinical Director of Endurance Behavioral Health, a PHP/IOP that specializes in treating high acuity adolescents and their families. Cerissa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate from Antioch University New England. She completed her predoctoral internship at Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families, a non-public school, residential treatment program, and emergency shelter in Camarillo, California. Cerissa has been a member of the NHPA Ethics Committee since 2015.
Dr. Cynthia Whitaker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been a member of the NHPA Ethics Committee since 2014. She is the President & CEO at Greater Nashua Mental Health, where she has worked for almost 20 years. Dr. Whitaker holds a second license as a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is fluent in American Sign Language. Devoting her career to the community mental health system, she is familiar with a broad spectrum of evidence-based treatments and the wider mental health system in New Hampshire.
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NHPA prices workshops by CE credit hour:
$25.00 per CE for members; $35.00 per CE for non-members
Paying with a check:
Checks must be received within one week of the event. If payment has not been received, registrant will still have option to pay online with a credit card up until the day before the program. If an invoice remains open on the day of the event, the registrant will not be allowed to attend.
Cancellation policy:
Refunds, minus a 10% cancellation fee, will be issued for all cancellations received two weeks prior to the start of the course. No refunds or vouchers will be made thereafter. No-shows are not refunded.
Attendance policy:
Full attendance is required to obtain CEs per NHPA policy. No partial credit will be given. Those who attend the workshop and complete the evaluation form will receive 1 continuing education credit. Please note that APA CE rules require that we only give credit to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving after the scheduled start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.
Registrations are Transferable:
Registrants can transfer an event confirmation to another individual. The NHPA office must be notified of the transfer at least 24 hours prior to the event.
This program is sponsored by the New Hampshire Psychological Association. NHPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NHPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
