American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Innovators in Mental Health Research in New York

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Innovators in Mental Health Research

On April 30, 2025, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest private funder of suicide prevention research worldwide, will hold its annual awards ceremony where pioneering researchers will be recognized for their life-saving contributions to the field. Among the honorees will be notable figures whose research has led to innovative therapies that have the potential to transform treatment for those at risk of suicide.

One of the highlights of the event is the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Dr. Marsha Linehan, who is renowned for developing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the 1980s. This groundbreaking approach to therapy has been pivotal in offering effective interventions to individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder, a condition that often overlaps with severe emotional dysregulation. Dr. Linehan's work has fundamentally changed the landscape of behavioral therapy, demonstrating that there are, in fact, tools available that can significantly help those who may have previously been seen as beyond help. Today, DBT is widely recognized as an essential weapon in the fight against suicidal behaviors, appreciated for its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional treatments. For her prolific contributions, Dr. Linehan has garnered several prestigious awards, cementing her status as an important figure in mental health research.

Another significant honoree is Dr. Katherine Ann Comtois, who will receive the Annual AFSP Research Award. As a professor at the University of Washington Medicine, Dr. Comtois has been at the forefront of developing innovative interventions aimed at reducing suicide risk. Her methods, including Caring Contacts and adaptations of DBT, have revolutionized how clinicians approach suicide prevention. Her work equips thousands of mental health providers with effective strategies that can engage and support individuals at high risk, saving lives in diverse clinical settings. Dr. Comtois is also noted for her dedicated service as a scientific advisor to AFSP and has received multiple grants that have fueled her pioneering research efforts.

The Paula J. Clayton Early Career Research Award will be awarded to Dr. Gonzalo Martínez-Alés, an emerging researcher making waves with his project on the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions aimed at preventing suicidal behaviors among individuals at high risk. Dr. Martínez-Alés's work is noteworthy not only for its innovative approach but also for honoring the legacy of Dr. Clayton, a previous AFSP medical director and an advocate for mental health.

Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, AFSP's Senior Vice President of Research, emphasizes the importance of research in driving the foundation's mission: “Research isn't just important to our mission – it's absolutely essential and drives everything we do in suicide prevention.” Through the tireless work of researchers like Dr. Linehan and Dr. Comtois, the AFSP continues to deepen its understanding of the factors contributing to suicide and the intervention strategies that can effectively save lives.

This annual awards ceremony serves as a platform not only to acknowledge the accomplishments of these exceptional researchers but also to highlight the critical need for continued funding and support for mental health research. It spotlights a community dedicated to tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, reminding us all that there is hope, help, and healing to be found.

For media inquiries regarding this event and details on the award recipients, AFSP’s PR Team is available for comment. The organization invites those interested in suicide prevention research and advocacy to engage with their initiatives by visiting their website and following their social media channels. Together, we can create a culture that is not only smart about mental health but also proactive in saving lives through research, support, and education.

To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, check out their Annual Report or connect with them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, and join the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.