Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Pennsylvania

Photo of Michael Chinn, LPC, MSEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Chinn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd
Verified Verified
Greensburg, PA 15601
My approach to counseling that life is often uncontrollable, but we can control how we respond, how we communicate, and how we navigate through complex social/personal/professional issues. I work primarily with teens, young adults, college students, and adults on a variety of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, suicide/suicidality, personality disorders, and career/workplace stressors.
My approach to counseling that life is often uncontrollable, but we can control how we respond, how we communicate, and how we navigate through complex social/personal/professional issues. I work primarily with teens, young adults, college students, and adults on a variety of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, suicide/suicidality, personality disorders, and career/workplace stressors.
(724) 573-8170 View (724) 573-8170
Photo of Taylor Sczymecki, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Sczymecki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19145  (Online Only)
I'm also passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ folks, people with an history of suicidal ideation or attempts, and a newer interest of mine is LGBTQ+ fertility.
My ideal therapy client wants to put in the work to explore themselves and be willing to take me along that journey with them. I'm here to listen, validate and challenge when needed. While my speciality is DBT, I also enjoy psychodynamic and person-centered approaches. I provide individual supervision for LCSW candidates as well. My ideal LSW supervisee is willing to be open and honest with themselves and with me as a newer social worker. I'm excited to support you in your adventure towards being an independent mental health professional and help you equip yourself with the tools needed for introspection, sound ethics and success.
I'm also passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ folks, people with an history of suicidal ideation or attempts, and a newer interest of mine is LGBTQ+ fertility.
My ideal therapy client wants to put in the work to explore themselves and be willing to take me along that journey with them. I'm here to listen, validate and challenge when needed. While my speciality is DBT, I also enjoy psychodynamic and person-centered approaches. I provide individual supervision for LCSW candidates as well. My ideal LSW supervisee is willing to be open and honest with themselves and with me as a newer social worker. I'm excited to support you in your adventure towards being an independent mental health professional and help you equip yourself with the tools needed for introspection, sound ethics and success.
(215) 608-3327 View (215) 608-3327
Photo of Kristie Knights - Ellie Mental Health, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ellie Mental Health
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
Whether you are in need of individual, couples, or family therapy; Ellie has the ideal therapist for you! We offer specialities in the areas of OCD, Queer Community, Grief and Loss, Suicidiality or Loss by Suicide, Complex Trauma, and more!.
Ellie Mental Health in Pittsburgh-Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. Whether you are 99 or 5 years of age we will meet your needs in a comfy space with excellent therapists.
Whether you are in need of individual, couples, or family therapy; Ellie has the ideal therapist for you! We offer specialities in the areas of OCD, Queer Community, Grief and Loss, Suicidiality or Loss by Suicide, Complex Trauma, and more!.
Ellie Mental Health in Pittsburgh-Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. Whether you are 99 or 5 years of age we will meet your needs in a comfy space with excellent therapists.
(412) 201-0783 View (412) 201-0783
Photo of Tarah West, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tarah West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Parker, PA 16049  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Tarah! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a strong military background, and have worked with a variety of populations with diverse, complex problems, including trauma, crisis/suicide, attachment and relationships, depression, anxiety, and maternal/post-partum mental health. Although I tend to be direct and candid with my clients, I offer an empathetic, humorous, and safe space to process some of the most vulnerable pieces of yourself. Fun fact about me: I own and ride horses and am currently pursuing further education to become certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Hello, my name is Tarah! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a strong military background, and have worked with a variety of populations with diverse, complex problems, including trauma, crisis/suicide, attachment and relationships, depression, anxiety, and maternal/post-partum mental health. Although I tend to be direct and candid with my clients, I offer an empathetic, humorous, and safe space to process some of the most vulnerable pieces of yourself. Fun fact about me: I own and ride horses and am currently pursuing further education to become certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
(724) 605-4775 View (724) 605-4775
Photo of Kelsey Reube, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelsey Reube
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19606  (Online Only)
I have substantial experience working with individuals with history of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Are you feeling stuck and need some guidance for growth? I won't offer band-aid solutions, only lasting and meaningful change. Therapy to me is a process of identifying and understanding who you are and where you want to go. I want to journey with you to the deeper levels of your struggles and find the light. The arrow is a powerful symbol to me that represents the growth we are capable of. In order for an arrow to aim forward, it must be pulled back with the bow to gain strength.
I have substantial experience working with individuals with history of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Are you feeling stuck and need some guidance for growth? I won't offer band-aid solutions, only lasting and meaningful change. Therapy to me is a process of identifying and understanding who you are and where you want to go. I want to journey with you to the deeper levels of your struggles and find the light. The arrow is a powerful symbol to me that represents the growth we are capable of. In order for an arrow to aim forward, it must be pulled back with the bow to gain strength.
(610) 215-2454 View (610) 215-2454
Photo of Dr. Lindsay Martin, PhD, LPC, NCC, CIMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Lindsay Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Media, PA 19063  (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Dr. Lindsay Martin, a Licensed Professional Counselor, committed to helping individuals begin their healing process. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore the depths of your emotions, overcome challenges, and embark on a path towards a more fulfilling life. I collaborate with individuals struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. Are you prepared to examine the thoughts and behaviors preventing you from living the life you truly want? Are you in search of personalized guidance to navigate this process?
Hello! I'm Dr. Lindsay Martin, a Licensed Professional Counselor, committed to helping individuals begin their healing process. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore the depths of your emotions, overcome challenges, and embark on a path towards a more fulfilling life. I collaborate with individuals struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. Are you prepared to examine the thoughts and behaviors preventing you from living the life you truly want? Are you in search of personalized guidance to navigate this process?
(484) 812-7974 View (484) 812-7974
Photo of Kaitlyn Vanderlaan, MSW, LCSW, RYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kaitlyn Vanderlaan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RYT-200
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Newtown, PA 18940
Are you struggling with body image, your relationship to food, or an eating disorder? Are you feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts? I can help. I strive to build a trusting relationship with everyone I work with that allows for space to talk through difficult life experiences. I will never label behavior or coping skills as bad or maladaptive. Instead, we will identify the ways these things have helped you cope & survive, and explore if there are other coping skills that will help you in a different way. We will work together to identify your strengths, heal emotional wounds, and express emotions.
Are you struggling with body image, your relationship to food, or an eating disorder? Are you feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts? I can help. I strive to build a trusting relationship with everyone I work with that allows for space to talk through difficult life experiences. I will never label behavior or coping skills as bad or maladaptive. Instead, we will identify the ways these things have helped you cope & survive, and explore if there are other coping skills that will help you in a different way. We will work together to identify your strengths, heal emotional wounds, and express emotions.
(215) 584-4335 View (215) 584-4335
Photo of Dese'Rae L. Stage, LSW, MSW, BS
Dese'Rae L. Stage
Licensed Social Worker, LSW, MSW, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Des! I'm a social worker and suicidologist, and a queer, white, cisgender single parent. My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered. Using an eclectic approach, mainly rooted in relational and attachment-based work, alongside some CBT techniques and DBT skills training, I work with teens and adults experiencing suicidal ideation & self-injury, grief/traumatic loss, ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood & personality disorders, queer and gender issues, fertility challenges (especially for those who are visibly queer), queer family-building, and pregnancy loss—many of which I have personal experience with.
Hi, I'm Des! I'm a social worker and suicidologist, and a queer, white, cisgender single parent. My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered. Using an eclectic approach, mainly rooted in relational and attachment-based work, alongside some CBT techniques and DBT skills training, I work with teens and adults experiencing suicidal ideation & self-injury, grief/traumatic loss, ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood & personality disorders, queer and gender issues, fertility challenges (especially for those who are visibly queer), queer family-building, and pregnancy loss—many of which I have personal experience with.
(215) 631-8350 View (215) 631-8350
Photo of Kylie Meyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kylie Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Collegeville, PA 19426  (Online Only)
My goal is to decrease behaviors of self-harm, suicide, impulsivity, and risky choices.
Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults learn how to regulate emotions, incorporate daily mindfulness, and challenge thoughts that keep them stuck. I also teach how to decrease the connection between feeling and doing, and how to maintain healthy relationships . The majority or my practice focuses on self-harm behavior, suicidal ideation, intense emotions, and impulsive behaviors. My approach is to utilize DBT throughout treatment while also incorporating CBT and trauma-focused care.
My goal is to decrease behaviors of self-harm, suicide, impulsivity, and risky choices.
Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults learn how to regulate emotions, incorporate daily mindfulness, and challenge thoughts that keep them stuck. I also teach how to decrease the connection between feeling and doing, and how to maintain healthy relationships . The majority or my practice focuses on self-harm behavior, suicidal ideation, intense emotions, and impulsive behaviors. My approach is to utilize DBT throughout treatment while also incorporating CBT and trauma-focused care.
(484) 255-4371 View (484) 255-4371
Photo of Jordan Harakal, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jordan Harakal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
Prior to working with Ellie Mental Health, I worked with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a Research Project Coordinator, for a study specializing in suicidality and suicide prevention.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am passionate about creating a safe space for clients to feel at ease with me. I see importance in helping others by being open and approachable, and valuing the importance of humor. I completed my undergraduate degree from Penn State, and went on to obtain my Master’s in Counseling from Chatham University. I enjoy working with teens to adults. I have experience working with suicidality, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, divorce, relationship issues, loss of identity, and more. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality.
Prior to working with Ellie Mental Health, I worked with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a Research Project Coordinator, for a study specializing in suicidality and suicide prevention.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am passionate about creating a safe space for clients to feel at ease with me. I see importance in helping others by being open and approachable, and valuing the importance of humor. I completed my undergraduate degree from Penn State, and went on to obtain my Master’s in Counseling from Chatham University. I enjoy working with teens to adults. I have experience working with suicidality, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, divorce, relationship issues, loss of identity, and more. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality.
(412) 618-2064 View (412) 618-2064
Photo of Nicole D Chaikin - Opal DBT, PsyD, Psychologist
Opal DBT
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berwyn, PA 19312
DBT has been demonstrated to improve the functioning of people who struggle to manage thoughts, feelings, and urges (including self-harm and suicidal thoughts/gestures).
OPAL is a treatment program offering Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teens, young adults, families, and parents. Comprehensive DBT is a treatment approach that incorporates multiple modalities, including individual therapy, group skills training, and support between sessions in the form of on-call phone coaching. We also offer the following skills groups: Multifamily, Young Adult, and Dialectical Parenting.
DBT has been demonstrated to improve the functioning of people who struggle to manage thoughts, feelings, and urges (including self-harm and suicidal thoughts/gestures).
OPAL is a treatment program offering Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teens, young adults, families, and parents. Comprehensive DBT is a treatment approach that incorporates multiple modalities, including individual therapy, group skills training, and support between sessions in the form of on-call phone coaching. We also offer the following skills groups: Multifamily, Young Adult, and Dialectical Parenting.
(484) 214-2766 View (484) 214-2766
Photo of Jaynay C. Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaynay C. Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19139  (Online Only)
If you found me, then I know you're doing your best to support your teenager or the teenager in your life through challenging circumstances. You've found the right therapist to help you to support them. I'm also going to help keep your teen navigate their experiences to learn skills to help them cope and manage their emotional wellness. With so many touchpoints, I believe it is critical to help teenagers create an informed decision-making self-compass to avoid self-inflicted harm, which can include self-mutilation, isolation, suicidal thoughts, and more.
If you found me, then I know you're doing your best to support your teenager or the teenager in your life through challenging circumstances. You've found the right therapist to help you to support them. I'm also going to help keep your teen navigate their experiences to learn skills to help them cope and manage their emotional wellness. With so many touchpoints, I believe it is critical to help teenagers create an informed decision-making self-compass to avoid self-inflicted harm, which can include self-mutilation, isolation, suicidal thoughts, and more.
(267) 489-1241 View (267) 489-1241
Photo of Todd Shirley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation 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.
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation 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 Bruce Pitcairn Murray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bruce Pitcairn Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119  (Online Only)
We all experience loss, illness, and other challenging life events. They can unsettle our emotional equilibrium, making us feel vulnerable and looking for assistance to discover a new path to equilibrium. Depression, anxiety, diminished motivation, relationship difficulties, and even suicidal ideation often accompany such losses, changes, and disappointments. Ignoring these issues can exacerbate the pain and may pose a risk to those experiencing severe distress.
We all experience loss, illness, and other challenging life events. They can unsettle our emotional equilibrium, making us feel vulnerable and looking for assistance to discover a new path to equilibrium. Depression, anxiety, diminished motivation, relationship difficulties, and even suicidal ideation often accompany such losses, changes, and disappointments. Ignoring these issues can exacerbate the pain and may pose a risk to those experiencing severe distress.
(267) 376-1450 View (267) 376-1450
Photo of Nicole M. Darosh, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole M. Darosh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
My passion is working with children, adolescents, and families. I use play therapy techniques to help work through and process emotions. Thoughts and emotions guide behavior. I like to focus on changing thought processes to help individuals better manage their emotions and stressors. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral disorders, anger management, parenting, adjustment disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
My passion is working with children, adolescents, and families. I use play therapy techniques to help work through and process emotions. Thoughts and emotions guide behavior. I like to focus on changing thought processes to help individuals better manage their emotions and stressors. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral disorders, anger management, parenting, adjustment disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
(844) 696-4631 View (844) 696-4631
Photo of Michael Clemente, BCBA, LPC, NCC, LBS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Clemente
Licensed Professional Counselor, BCBA, LPC, NCC, LBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19128
I specialize in treating mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation as well as trauma informed care and PTSD.
My name is Michael and I am the owner of the Behavior & Counseling Center, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have extensive experience working within the field of ABA/behavior modification as well as within the field of clinical counseling. I work within the framework of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach for my psychotherapy clients, and intertwine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and (CBT) for my children and adolescent clients.
I specialize in treating mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation as well as trauma informed care and PTSD.
My name is Michael and I am the owner of the Behavior & Counseling Center, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have extensive experience working within the field of ABA/behavior modification as well as within the field of clinical counseling. I work within the framework of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach for my psychotherapy clients, and intertwine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and (CBT) for my children and adolescent clients.
(215) 544-2706 View (215) 544-2706
Photo of Rachel Cunningham, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Cunningham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Latrobe, PA 15650
In addition, I have worked with grieving loved ones who have lost someone close to them to suicide.
Live. Love. Death. Grief. Eventually, we realize that all of these are intertwined, however when you are experiencing any one of these it can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are experiencing more than one. I offer client-focused solutions in an understanding and compassionate environment.
In addition, I have worked with grieving loved ones who have lost someone close to them to suicide.
Live. Love. Death. Grief. Eventually, we realize that all of these are intertwined, however when you are experiencing any one of these it can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are experiencing more than one. I offer client-focused solutions in an understanding and compassionate environment.
(724) 200-8239 View (724) 200-8239
Photo of Joshua Weiss, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joshua Weiss
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
My skills best serve those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, suicidal ideation, trauma, substance use disorder, and family issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Gestalt and Holistic Wellness approach towards therapy. Gestalt and Wellness approaches allow me to be creative and intentional with my therapeutic practices. I value human connectedness and learning about each person I work with. Therapy is unique to everyone, and my goal is to guide the therapeutic experience with the intention of promoting personal growth. Life has it’s hardships, my passion is helping people lean into their discomforts to develop the skills needed to overcome them.
My skills best serve those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, suicidal ideation, trauma, substance use disorder, and family issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Gestalt and Holistic Wellness approach towards therapy. Gestalt and Wellness approaches allow me to be creative and intentional with my therapeutic practices. I value human connectedness and learning about each person I work with. Therapy is unique to everyone, and my goal is to guide the therapeutic experience with the intention of promoting personal growth. Life has it’s hardships, my passion is helping people lean into their discomforts to develop the skills needed to overcome them.
(484) 646-2762 View (484) 646-2762
Media Child & Family Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Media, PA 19063
We have experience working with families whose children and adolescents are experiencing attention difficulties, anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, social withdrawal, oppositional and defiant behavior at home and at school, parent-child conflicts, sibling conflicts, drug and alcohol abuse, symptoms of attachment disorders and low self-esteem.
We are a group of mental health practitioners devoted to bringing the best practices in psychotherapy to children, adolescents, families, and couples. We work against the cultural grain of increasing isolation and emphasis on individual pathology in mental health treatment. Taking guidance from the growing body of research on interpersonal neurobiology, we address a wide range of personal and interpersonal problems through relationship-based therapies that tap the tremendous healing power of families.
We have experience working with families whose children and adolescents are experiencing attention difficulties, anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, social withdrawal, oppositional and defiant behavior at home and at school, parent-child conflicts, sibling conflicts, drug and alcohol abuse, symptoms of attachment disorders and low self-esteem.
We are a group of mental health practitioners devoted to bringing the best practices in psychotherapy to children, adolescents, families, and couples. We work against the cultural grain of increasing isolation and emphasis on individual pathology in mental health treatment. Taking guidance from the growing body of research on interpersonal neurobiology, we address a wide range of personal and interpersonal problems through relationship-based therapies that tap the tremendous healing power of families.
(610) 756-8155 View (610) 756-8155
Photo of Jessica Rae Montgomery, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Rae Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19148  (Online Only)
I am hoping to help individuals work through a variety of topics: the stress of todays society, anxiety related to work, school, or life changes, psychosis, depression, suicidal thoughts, difficulty managing emotions along with other difficulties we all face.
I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life. I think that it would be difficult for me to describe "my ideal client" without speaking to someone first. I would like to work with each person on an individual specialized level and decide if I am the right fit for their current psychological services through a free consultation and active feedback during the therapeutic process.
I am hoping to help individuals work through a variety of topics: the stress of todays society, anxiety related to work, school, or life changes, psychosis, depression, suicidal thoughts, difficulty managing emotions along with other difficulties we all face.
I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life. I think that it would be difficult for me to describe "my ideal client" without speaking to someone first. I would like to work with each person on an individual specialized level and decide if I am the right fit for their current psychological services through a free consultation and active feedback during the therapeutic process.
(215) 608-7076 View (215) 608-7076
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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.