Kim Menzel, MSW

Clinical Instructor

Why is this work meaningful for you?

Like many of my team members, my work with the Suicide Prevention Institute is both personal and professional. My birth mother and brother live with chronic suicidal thoughts and have both made multiple attempts. In 30 years of clinical practice, I’ve treated many people experiencing acute suicidal crisis or chronic suicidal ideation as well as multiple survivors of a loved one’s suicide. Their stories fuel my passion for this work.

How does your passion translate into your work?

I’m passionate about talking about suicide without judgment or shame and treating the drivers of suicide. I’m passionate about training providers to feel more comfortable talking about suicide risk and reducing barriers to best practices in suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment.

What motivates you to help SPI make an impact?

I’m motivated by the memory of the men who died by suicide in the woods, having been silent about their hopelessness and despair. The ways we’ve been exploring the long reach of suicide isn’t working, and I want to be a part of changing the way we recognize, treat, and support individuals at risk of suicide.

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