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Human - Animal Connections in Suicide Prevention: Insights and Practical Pathways
by
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
5 PM – 6 PM MST (GMT-7)
Online Event
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Registration is now closed (this event already took place).
Details
Earn 1 CE/clock hour for attending. RSVP to receive the recording and CE if you can't attend live (no refunds will be offered for this event).
This presentation will explore how interactions with animals—particularly companion animals, therapy animals, and service animals—can play a meaningful supportive role in suicide prevention efforts. We will discuss the psychosocial mechanisms through which human–animal relationships influence well-being and evidence from existing research will be summarized to define our current understanding of how animals impact known suicide risk and protective factors. This webinar will provide practical guidance for current or future clinicians, educators, and community leaders on incorporating human–animal interaction principles into supportive environments to prevent suicide and enhance wellbeing.
Learn more about Hannah's work:
Hannah Van Buiten is a licensed clinical social worker with specialized expertise in human–animal interactions (HAI), suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care. She earned her Master of Social Work and Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and has since built a career as a clinician, scholar, and adjunct instructor. Drawing on years of clinical work with veterans, community collaboration with leaders in the HAI field, and multiple HAI research publications, Hannah brings a unique blend of practice-based insight and research expertise to her work. Most recently, she was published in the peer-reviewed journal Healthcare, where her article, “Can Pets Prevent Suicide? The Impact of Companion Animals on Suicidality: Scoping Review and Clinical Recommendations,” reflects her commitment to integrating human–animal interactions into effective suicide-prevention strategies. Hannah has presented on this topic at multiple organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.