Self-harm in teenagers: The spectrum from non-suicidal self-injury to suicidality

Explore self-harm and suicide in adolescents to strengthen recognition, identify red flags, and support effective clinical response.

As cited by research from The Hospital for Sick Children, there has been a sharp increase in emergency department visits for attempted suicide and suicide ideation among children and adolescents. This course is designed to support professionals in understanding, assessing, and responding to this growing clinical need.

In this live webinar, child psychiatrist Dr. Marshall Korenblum explores the spectrum of self-harming behaviours in teenagers—from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to suicidality. Drawing on evidence and clinical experience, this training supports professionals in building confidence when working with these complex and urgent presentations.

Together, these sessions provide a structured, clinically grounded exploration of:

• the function and drivers of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)
• the relationship between NSSI and suicidal behaviour in adolescents
• key risk factors, warning signs, and red flags
• evidence-informed approaches to assessment and intervention

This course is delivered as two separate webinar sessions offered on different dates. Participants may register for either session individually or attend both sessions to gain a more comprehensive clinical understanding of the continuum from nonsuicidal self-injury to suicidal behaviour in adolescents.

Session overview

Session 1: May 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Non-suicidal self-harm in teenagers: The role of emotion regulation in understanding and treating this urgent problem

Session 2: May 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Suicide in teenagers: Signs, symptoms and risk factors

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute offers training and education for professionals to advance mental health care – our goal is to improve client outcomes and building capacity, together. Find training to support your professional development at www.sickkidscmhlearning.ca and reserve your spot today! Don't forget to use code OPA20 to save 20% off your registration fees.