Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide

The UR Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS) is one of only a handful of Research centers worldwide focused on suicide prevention.

The CSPS includes investigators at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the VA Center of Excellence in Suicide Prevention. The CSPS also contributes to research education, including through two postdoctoral fellowships.

The CSPS Postdoctoral Training in Suicide Prevention Research Fellowship is supported by a National Research Service Award grant from NIMH. The VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is supported by the VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention. The CSPS also contributes to efforts in quality improvement for clinical care and community-based prevention across New York State.

A Public Health Approach

A signature CSPS focus has been on public health approaches to suicide prevention, through a 'center without walls'.
The 2021 CSPS Strategic Plan seeks to extend and apply the public health approach to suicide prevention in these three ways:

person using a cellphone with blue lines projecting out

Innovative Methodologies

CSPS investigators are using novel social network interventions and digital health methodologies to assess suicide risk and treatment efficacy.

Learn more about our Innovations

Diverse Populations

CSPS investigators strive to advance suicide prevention science in diverse populations, including Black and Hispanic youth and adults, and the Deaf community.

Learn more about our Populations

Lifespan Approach

CSPS investigators study suicide prevention across the lifespan, from children to older adults.

Learn about our Approach

Directors

Kim Van Orden, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Peter Wyman, PhD
Professor, Department of Psychiatry

View All Research Team Members

View CSPS Faculty Publications

Education & Training

The URMC Department of Psychiatry Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS) offers two postdoctoral research training fellowships in suicide prevention across the life span.

NIMH/CSPS Postdoctoral Training in Suicide Prevention
Research Fellowship
Supported by a National Research Service Award grant from NIMH, and is designed for individuals aspiring to academic research careers.

VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Veteran Mental
Health and Suicide Prevention
Designed to prepare psychologists, physicians, and associated health professionals with the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to become leaders and innovators in suicide prevention research and education, as well as experts in Veteran mental health care.

Contact Us

Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide
University of Rochester Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
300 Crittenden Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14642
Phone: (585) 273-2047
Email: CSPS Manager

News & Events

army officers

No One Left Behind: U.S. Air Force Rolls Out Suicide-Prevention Technique to Every Base in the World URMC Wingman-Connect Program Takes a Radical New Approach. The program harnesses the power of groups and social networks to prevent thoughts of suicide before they ever occur. The Air Force has awarded the program, led by Peter A. Wyman, PhD, to all of its 68 bases worldwide. Read Full Article at URMC Newsroom »

Mental Health Matters Podcast title

Dr. Arielle Sheftall, discusses who is at increased risk for suicide, how it's impacting the nation's youth, and what we're doing about this tragic and preventable issue. NIH Mental Health Matters Podcast: Understanding and Preventing Youth Suicide

Two individuals holding hands. Text: “Let’s Talk About Suicide Prevention. Share science. Share hope.” Points to nimh.nih.gov/shareNIMH.

National Suicide Prevention Month
Help raise awareness about suicide prevention by sharing informational materials based on the latest research. Everyone can play a role to help save lives. Share science. Share hope. https://go.usa.gov/xvWK6 #shareNIMH

two teens walking and talking

A Conversation About Mental Health in the Black Community
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted a mental health and suicide prevention panel discussion focused on the Black and African American community, which included Dr. Arielle Sheftall from the University of Rochester Medical Center. View on the AFSP's Facebook Page

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