Biography
Cheryl King, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Youth Depression and Suicide Prevention Program at the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, educator and research mentor, Dr. King has served as Director of Psychology Training and Chief Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry, and she has twice received the Teacher of the Year Award in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. King's research focuses on the development of evidence-based practices for suicide risk screening, assessment, and intervention. She has provided leadership for multiple federally funded research projects, including the Youth-Nominated Support Team Intervention for Suicidal Adolescents, Emergency Department Screen for Teens at Risk for Suicide, and 24-Hour Risk for Suicide Attempts in a National Cohort of Adolescents.
Dr. King is the lead author of Teen Suicide Risk: A Practitioner Guide to Screening, Assessment, and Management.
In addition, Dr. King has provided testimony in the U.S. Senate on youth suicide prevention and is a Past President of the American Association of Suicidology, the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers, and the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. She is a recent past member of the National Advisory Mental Health Council.
Areas of Interest
- Youth and young adult suicide prevention: suicide risk screening, assessment, and intervention
- Understanding suicide risk, including suicide warning signs
- Prevention and intervention science
- Implementation of evidence-based practices in child and adolescent mental health
- Developmental psychopathology
Featured News
Personalized Screening to Identify Teens with High Suicide Risk
Researchers develop universal screening tool used during emergency care visits that reliably predicts an adolescent or teen’s suicide risk
The Power of Caring: Forming a Circle of Support Around Suicidal Teens
In a TEDMED 2020 talk, Dr. Cheryl King, a teen suicide expert, describes findings about the important role adults have in supporting young adults at risk.
Nation’s Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Honors Dr. Cheryl King with Research Award
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention gives award to U-M professor with focus on youth suicide prevention
Fewer Deaths Seen Among Young Adults Who Got Extra Adult Support as Suicidal Teens
New study suggests long-term impacts of Youth-Nominated Support Team approach
How to Talk to Children and Teens About Suicide: A Guide for Parents
Cheryl King, Ph.D., a leading expert in child and adolescent suicide prevention, emphasizes the need for a community approach and an open line of communication for families.
Credentials
- 1987-1988 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Lafayette Clinic and Wayne State University, Department of Psychiatry, Detroit, Michigan
- 1983-1984 Clinical Psychology Internship, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- 1978-1983 Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Ph.D. (major: Clinical Psychology; minor: Developmental Psychology)
- 1973-1976 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; B.A. (conferred "With High Distinction")
