TELEMATIC TECHNOLOGIES IN MENTAL HEALTH CARING: A WEB-BASED PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ADOLESCENT SUICIDE SURVIVORS

A significant other's completed suicide elicits complex physical, psychological, and social reactions in most suicide survivors. At present, mental health professionals and other caregivers have limited access to clear information and guidelines to meet the postvention needs of these individuals. Telematic technologies offer innovative and creative resources to address their needs by means of a web-based psychoeducational program. The development of a comprehensive web-based program that deals with the lived experiences of adolescent suicide survivors is described. Potential program users include adolescent suicide survivors, social supporters of suicide survivors, mental health professionals and survivor support groups.