70. A New Look At Suicide: What We Need To Change

Elan Javanfard, M.A., LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, professor, author, and thought leader in the fields of mental health, mindfulness, and crisis care. He currently serves as Senior Director at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where he focuses on behavioral health redesign and systems-level transformation to improve care for individuals experiencing mental illness, suicidal ideation, and emotional distress. With over a decade of experience, Elan has provided clinical services in diverse settings, including community-based clinics serving individuals with chronic and severe mental illness. His integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes present-focused discovery, mind-body awareness, and the reintegration of the whole self. He has completed extensive clinical training in multiple evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Seeking Safety, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), Narrative Family Therapy, and PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills). He holds advanced certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk. Elan is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at both Pepperdine University and Touro University, where he lectures on a wide range of topics including evidence-based clinical practices, mindfulness, and suicide prevention. In addition to his academic and clinical work, he is a national speaker and educator, regularly presenting to mental health professionals, faith-based communities, and leadership groups. He is a published author and the creator of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, a weekly blog that bridges Jewish thought and psychological wisdom. A respected voice in both clinical and spiritual spaces, Elan blends his expertise in psychotherapy with deep cultural and religious understanding. Elan is a member of the Board of Directors of the Crisis Residential Association, helping shape policy and innovation in alternatives to hospitalization. He lives in the Pico-Robertson community of Los Angeles with his wife and three children. To learn more or get in touch, visit www.elanjavanfard.com, email [email protected], or call 424-256-6546. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast