Suicidal Ideation Therapists in West Chester, PA

Photo of Todd Shirley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
ABFT is an evidenced based practice that has been shown to reduce depression and suicidal ideation in teenagers.
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, life transitions, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation please reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
ABFT is an evidenced based practice that has been shown to reduce depression and suicidal ideation in teenagers.
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, life transitions, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation please reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
(610) 557-8332 View (610) 557-8332
Photo of Kelley Nolan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelley Nolan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation/self-injury, and other emotional/behavioral concerns.
In therapy, I believe creating a safe, open, and supportive space helps to foster healing and growth. My passion is to help children, teens, and young adults find their unique strengths and skills and use these to build self-confidence and determine their purpose in life. I understand that barriers & challenges can get in the way but my focus is to guide and empower my clients to trust their ability to make it through these challenges and develop healthy ways to cope.
My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation/self-injury, and other emotional/behavioral concerns.
In therapy, I believe creating a safe, open, and supportive space helps to foster healing and growth. My passion is to help children, teens, and young adults find their unique strengths and skills and use these to build self-confidence and determine their purpose in life. I understand that barriers & challenges can get in the way but my focus is to guide and empower my clients to trust their ability to make it through these challenges and develop healthy ways to cope.
(484) 428-6870 View (484) 428-6870
Photo of Samantha Crean, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Crean
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19383  (Online Only)
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
Photo of Cara J. Dixon - Growth Minded Counseling and Consulting, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Growth Minded Counseling and Consulting
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
When life's challenges feel overwhelming, burdensome, confusing, uncertain, hopeless, or difficult to imagine changed, it can make all the difference to find the right support to guide you or your loved one to a renewed sense of strength.
When life's challenges feel overwhelming, burdensome, confusing, uncertain, hopeless, or difficult to imagine changed, it can make all the difference to find the right support to guide you or your loved one to a renewed sense of strength.
(484) 285-4874 View (484) 285-4874
Photo of Samantha Gambale, LSW, MSW
Samantha Gambale
LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382
Are you dealing with overwhelming anxiety? Is daily stress accumulating and impacting your wellbeing? Tired of a loud inner critic? If so, contact me for a free consult & we'll get started on your healing together. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind&body. Therapy helps us understand our life events, family dynamics and personal identity. It focuses on what is in our control and how to take the steps towards self-acceptance. Through integrative techniques, we identify the root of your symptoms&skills to thrive. I work with ages 13 + as a holistic ally to help you heal.
Are you dealing with overwhelming anxiety? Is daily stress accumulating and impacting your wellbeing? Tired of a loud inner critic? If so, contact me for a free consult & we'll get started on your healing together. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind&body. Therapy helps us understand our life events, family dynamics and personal identity. It focuses on what is in our control and how to take the steps towards self-acceptance. Through integrative techniques, we identify the root of your symptoms&skills to thrive. I work with ages 13 + as a holistic ally to help you heal.
(215) 607-8174 View (215) 607-8174
Photo of Caroline Springhorn, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caroline Springhorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
(484) 897-7269 View (484) 897-7269
Photo of Anna Kozlowska, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Kozlowska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I am open to working with clients from all walks of life, those who know what their goals are, and those who are uncertain about what they expect from therapy. My professional and lived experience helps me relate to clients who have difficulties adjusting to changes in life, as well as older adults, caregivers, and people of all ages struggling with family issues. A psychodynamic approach helps clients feel listened to and encouraged to develop their story, gain insight and self-awareness, & notice the connection between past events and current difficulties.
I am open to working with clients from all walks of life, those who know what their goals are, and those who are uncertain about what they expect from therapy. My professional and lived experience helps me relate to clients who have difficulties adjusting to changes in life, as well as older adults, caregivers, and people of all ages struggling with family issues. A psychodynamic approach helps clients feel listened to and encouraged to develop their story, gain insight and self-awareness, & notice the connection between past events and current difficulties.
(484) 969-9394 View (484) 969-9394
Photo of Leslie Sitkoff Sheridan, LPC, CAADC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Sitkoff Sheridan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, NCC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Leslie. I have worked in the mental health field for ten years, serving a diverse array of clients with a variety of different mental health diagnoses. I offer a nonjudgmental healing space full of support, compassion and empathy, meeting the client where they are. My counseling style is warm but direct, interactive and collaborative- listening, validating, challenging and problem solving. Clients often present with the question “what is wrong with me?” Often a more helpful question is “what happened to you?" We can work together to set you free, allowing you to regain a sense of control and empowerment in life.
Hello, my name is Leslie. I have worked in the mental health field for ten years, serving a diverse array of clients with a variety of different mental health diagnoses. I offer a nonjudgmental healing space full of support, compassion and empathy, meeting the client where they are. My counseling style is warm but direct, interactive and collaborative- listening, validating, challenging and problem solving. Clients often present with the question “what is wrong with me?” Often a more helpful question is “what happened to you?" We can work together to set you free, allowing you to regain a sense of control and empowerment in life.
(484) 361-4661 View (484) 361-4661
Photo of Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
(215) 608-5374 View (215) 608-5374
Photo of Kristy Gaul, MBA, JD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kristy Gaul
Pre-Licensed Professional, MBA, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
I have a profound faith in peoples’ resilience and capacity for change. At the same time, we all can face difficulties, life changes or situations that feel overwhelming and negatively impact our health, well-being and relationships. I work with clients to both figure out what problem they are trying to solve as well as coming up with a solution. Because each person, couple or family is different, I pull from multiple strength-based therapeutic approaches to incorporate strategies that make sense to, and for, each family system.
I have a profound faith in peoples’ resilience and capacity for change. At the same time, we all can face difficulties, life changes or situations that feel overwhelming and negatively impact our health, well-being and relationships. I work with clients to both figure out what problem they are trying to solve as well as coming up with a solution. Because each person, couple or family is different, I pull from multiple strength-based therapeutic approaches to incorporate strategies that make sense to, and for, each family system.
(484) 262-3062 View (484) 262-3062
Photo of Brittany Shaffer, MSW , LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittany Shaffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I specialize in working with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, domestic/intimate partner violence or relationship challenges, chronic pain/illness, and substance use issues. I also appreciate the beautiful tangents, metaphors, and insights from my work with neurodiverse clients. Much of my work focused on helping clients examine how trauma has shaped their lives, decisions, & current circumstances and find ways to heal. Finding meaning and insight from the connections and patterns we can see in the past and present is key to informing the work we can do together to pursue a more intentional and satisfying future.
I specialize in working with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, domestic/intimate partner violence or relationship challenges, chronic pain/illness, and substance use issues. I also appreciate the beautiful tangents, metaphors, and insights from my work with neurodiverse clients. Much of my work focused on helping clients examine how trauma has shaped their lives, decisions, & current circumstances and find ways to heal. Finding meaning and insight from the connections and patterns we can see in the past and present is key to informing the work we can do together to pursue a more intentional and satisfying future.
(484) 799-1483 View (484) 799-1483
Photo of Amy Shirey, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Shirey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I can help you cope with multiple stressors in your life as you manage the symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for guidance and support, then we would be a great match.
I can help you cope with multiple stressors in your life as you manage the symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for guidance and support, then we would be a great match.
(484) 739-8724 View (484) 739-8724
Photo of Patrick Borkland, Pre-Licensed Professional
Patrick Borkland
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I focus on topics such as self-esteem, relational communication, shame, healthy relationships, and values-based living. I also work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and experiences with trauma. I was trained in psychodynamic therapy, and so I adopt a more conversational and explorative approach to my work with clients. I believe that change and growth comes from healthy relationships - both with ourselves and with others. In this, I strive to use the therapeutic relationship as the basis for treatment.
I focus on topics such as self-esteem, relational communication, shame, healthy relationships, and values-based living. I also work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and experiences with trauma. I was trained in psychodynamic therapy, and so I adopt a more conversational and explorative approach to my work with clients. I believe that change and growth comes from healthy relationships - both with ourselves and with others. In this, I strive to use the therapeutic relationship as the basis for treatment.
(484) 346-0339 View (484) 346-0339
Photo of Drew Alikakos - Addiction & Psychological Therapy, Inc., MS, Psychologist
Addiction & Psychological Therapy, Inc.
Psychologist, MS
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382
My ideal client is motivated. I have been a licensed psychologist for 19 years. I graduated from Villanova University and worked as a cognitive therapist at the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital before opening my own group practice, Addiction & Psychological Therapy. The group specializes in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive thinking, OCD, ADHD, depression, marital and family counseling, alcoholism and crisis clients, treating children, adolescents and adults. I also have a forensic program treating Anger Management and DUI's. We offer ARD & IPP Evaluations, Anger Management Evaluations, Drug and Alcohol Assessments and Mental Heath Evaluations, and Suboxin treatment.
My ideal client is motivated. I have been a licensed psychologist for 19 years. I graduated from Villanova University and worked as a cognitive therapist at the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital before opening my own group practice, Addiction & Psychological Therapy. The group specializes in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive thinking, OCD, ADHD, depression, marital and family counseling, alcoholism and crisis clients, treating children, adolescents and adults. I also have a forensic program treating Anger Management and DUI's. We offer ARD & IPP Evaluations, Anger Management Evaluations, Drug and Alcohol Assessments and Mental Heath Evaluations, and Suboxin treatment.
(484) 334-2833 View (484) 334-2833
Photo of Anthony Yuschak, MSEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anthony Yuschak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
My therapeutic approach is informed by my background in meditation, Eastern contemplative philosophy, and evolutionary psychology. I work with clients to establish a treatment plan that is uniquely sensitive to their particular clinical needs and concerns. Some of the most common techniques I employ focus on the important relationship between body and mind; these experiential, somatic, and cognitive interventions allow for critical shifts in perspective that promote meaningful and enduring behavioral change.
My therapeutic approach is informed by my background in meditation, Eastern contemplative philosophy, and evolutionary psychology. I work with clients to establish a treatment plan that is uniquely sensitive to their particular clinical needs and concerns. Some of the most common techniques I employ focus on the important relationship between body and mind; these experiential, somatic, and cognitive interventions allow for critical shifts in perspective that promote meaningful and enduring behavioral change.
(484) 851-9192 View (484) 851-9192
Photo of Keli Laverty, BC-DMT, LPC
Keli Laverty
BC-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
If you are looking for a therapy experience that goes beyond talking and helps you connect to your whole self, Dance/movement therapy could be for you!! If you have tried traditional "talk" therapy and it has not produced the changes you are wanting, a Dance/Movement therapy session will help you make shifts in session (literally!) that you can apply in your everyday life. If you or your child or teen does not like to "talk" about your feelings, DMT is a solution! At my core, I see movement as our path to wellness. Movement connects us to our physiology and psychology to really affect change- we cannot just think our way to change, we need to move it! I use the body, which is never in the past or future, as a tool to help clients become aware of your own physical and emotional states in the present. I strive to connect my clients to your bodies and from there we practice techniques to empower you to embrace living in your bodies and connecting to your whole self.
If you are looking for a therapy experience that goes beyond talking and helps you connect to your whole self, Dance/movement therapy could be for you!! If you have tried traditional "talk" therapy and it has not produced the changes you are wanting, a Dance/Movement therapy session will help you make shifts in session (literally!) that you can apply in your everyday life. If you or your child or teen does not like to "talk" about your feelings, DMT is a solution! At my core, I see movement as our path to wellness. Movement connects us to our physiology and psychology to really affect change- we cannot just think our way to change, we need to move it! I use the body, which is never in the past or future, as a tool to help clients become aware of your own physical and emotional states in the present. I strive to connect my clients to your bodies and from there we practice techniques to empower you to embrace living in your bodies and connecting to your whole self.
(484) 812-3044 View (484) 812-3044
Photo of Carter Weeber, LPC, MEd, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carter Weeber
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
(484) 881-3995 View (484) 881-3995
Photo of Welsley Brutto, MSCP, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Welsley Brutto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382
There are times we can become stuck in life's challenges. We find ourselves discouraged knowing how we would like things to be or how we would like to feel but find ourselves unable to navigate the best course. I enjoy helping clients navigate such challenges and develop a greater understanding of themselves while focusing on goals.
There are times we can become stuck in life's challenges. We find ourselves discouraged knowing how we would like things to be or how we would like to feel but find ourselves unable to navigate the best course. I enjoy helping clients navigate such challenges and develop a greater understanding of themselves while focusing on goals.
(610) 365-7994 View (610) 365-7994
Photo of Amy E. Brown, MS, CADC, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy E. Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CADC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I’m a straight ally working with adolescents, young adults, and adults around depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and pandemic-related issues. Even after more than 30 years, I remain deeply passionate about my work and continually humbled by my clients' resilience and innate strength. I especially enjoy working with young adults, women in transition, and queer or questioning folks. I encourage everyone to screen several therapists and choose the one with whom they feel most heard, respected, and safe. Please don’t settle for anything less.
I’m a straight ally working with adolescents, young adults, and adults around depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and pandemic-related issues. Even after more than 30 years, I remain deeply passionate about my work and continually humbled by my clients' resilience and innate strength. I especially enjoy working with young adults, women in transition, and queer or questioning folks. I encourage everyone to screen several therapists and choose the one with whom they feel most heard, respected, and safe. Please don’t settle for anything less.
(610) 991-7589 View (610) 991-7589
Photo of Hannah Gilmore, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Gilmore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Whether you are coming to therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, a life change, or just a general sense of unease, facing these issues can be scary. Healing isn’t easy because it involves confronting our pain and hurts. Healing can also be full of joy, hope, connection, and freedom as we experience new possibilities of being and relating. My approach is warm, relational, and integrative. I strive to offer a space where you can feel safe enough to look inward – to gently and compassionately welcome all parts of yourself with less judgment and shame.
Whether you are coming to therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, a life change, or just a general sense of unease, facing these issues can be scary. Healing isn’t easy because it involves confronting our pain and hurts. Healing can also be full of joy, hope, connection, and freedom as we experience new possibilities of being and relating. My approach is warm, relational, and integrative. I strive to offer a space where you can feel safe enough to look inward – to gently and compassionately welcome all parts of yourself with less judgment and shame.
(484) 276-3873 View (484) 276-3873
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Suicidal Ideation Therapists

How does therapy for suicidal ideation work?

Stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances can give rise to suicidal thinking. Therapy can address the events at the core of an individual’s suffering. Understanding why a person may be suicidal can help the therapist and the patient discover alternative methods of coping. A person with suicidal ideation may be mired in catastrophic thinking, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a good choice for breaking such patterns. In addition, treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy can help a person manage their distress through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for suicidal ideation?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and not act on dangerous urges.

Are there specific medications to be combined with therapy?

The use of medication for suicidal thoughts must be aligned with the underlying cause; conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis may be at the root of suicidal ideation. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for symptoms, which may include antipsychotics such as aripiprazole or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for suicidal ideation?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. Still other patients, especially those with co-occurring conditions like major depression and anxiety, may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months. In some cases, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm.