HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania State Rep. Warren Kampf has co-sponsored legislation to require that psychologists and therapists receive continued training to identify the warning signs of suicide. House Bill 2461 is named the Matt Adler Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Act.

“Suicide has unfortunately touched many families, and suicide rates are rising,” Kampf said. “More must be done to aid those at risk. It makes sense to give practicing mental health professionals and counselors better training in recognizing suicide risk. I believe this will help reverse this alarming trend.”

At a press conference convened by the prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Bill Adolph, and accompanied by Gary and Phyllis Adler of Delaware County, the parents of Matt Adler, Kampf’s co-sponsorship of the legislation was announced on September 8. Also in attendance were Reps. Tom Killion and Joe Hackett and individuals from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Matt Adler was a Seattle attorney who took his life after seeking therapy for depression. His family has committed itself to a nationwide campaign to making sure therapists understand the warning signs of suicide.