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David Jobes

How Can Suicide Rates Be Reduced?

Psychologist David Jobes has dedicated more than 30 years to researching and implementing his CAMS approach to clinical suicide prevention. CAMS — the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality — is a therapeutic frame- work for treatment of suicidal patients. The method quickly reduces suicidal thoughts (in six to eight sessions) and reduces overall symptoms of distress, depression, and hopelessness.

How do you convince someone with suicidal thoughts that life is worth living?

“Within CAMS the final phase of care focuses on plans, goals, and hope for the future — a life worth living. The way we convince a patient to pursue this is by effectively treating the problems that make them suicidal. We often treat relationship issues, vocational problems, and issues of self-worth that make people suicidal. Our research shows that CAMS gives patients hope; and where there is hope there is always potential for a life worth living.”

How/Why is CAMS more effective than previous treatments?

“CAMS is patient-centric. We emphasize empathy, collaboration, honesty, and a singular focus on treating and eliminating suicidal thoughts and behaviors. CAMS creates a strong therapeutic alliance and it also invariably motivates patients to fight for their lives.”


David Jobes is a professor of psychology, associate director of clinical training, and director of the University’s Suicide Prevention Lab. He has worked with every branch of the U.S. military, and many governmental organizations such as the CDC, the FBI, Veterans Affairs, and National Institute of Mental Health. He is also a past president of the American Association of Suicidology.