Suicidal Ideation Counselling in Exeter

Photo of Dr Rochelle Woollacott, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Rochelle Woollacott
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I have worked with many clients with varying degrees of personal difficulties; severe and mild distress including depression, anxiety, suicide, low-self-esteem, earlier life trauma, PTSD, relational difficulties and many more.
I offer a safe space for my clients to explore their difficulties without fear of judgement. I am compassionate, supportive and gentle challenging psychologist. My experience has come from working as a psychotherapist in NHS mental health services. I work in an integrative way and I use diagnostic labels cautiously to avoid medicalising notions of distress.
I have worked with many clients with varying degrees of personal difficulties; severe and mild distress including depression, anxiety, suicide, low-self-esteem, earlier life trauma, PTSD, relational difficulties and many more.
I offer a safe space for my clients to explore their difficulties without fear of judgement. I am compassionate, supportive and gentle challenging psychologist. My experience has come from working as a psychotherapist in NHS mental health services. I work in an integrative way and I use diagnostic labels cautiously to avoid medicalising notions of distress.
01837 516734 View 01837 516734
Photo of Jane Meares, Counsellor, MBACP
Jane Meares
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
I support adults affected by loss, separation, bereavement, trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or perhaps a difficult childhood who struggle day-to-day with overthinking, worry, perfectionism, stress, burnout, overwhelming emotions, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, PTSD or Complex PTSD.
Do you put on a brave face but feel different on the inside? Perhaps empty and numb, or overwhelmed by emotions? Do you wake up with a sense of dread? I know how tough life can be at times and how lonely it feels when no one seems to understand. If you’re wondering when you’ll feel happy or hopeful again, or you’re worrying about the future and fearing the worst, or maybe you’re struggling with a big change and a sense of who you are; I’d like to help. Being able to talk freely to someone, without fear of judgement or shame, can be a huge relief. Feeling seen and truly heard, and accepted for who you are can be liberating.
I support adults affected by loss, separation, bereavement, trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or perhaps a difficult childhood who struggle day-to-day with overthinking, worry, perfectionism, stress, burnout, overwhelming emotions, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, PTSD or Complex PTSD.
Do you put on a brave face but feel different on the inside? Perhaps empty and numb, or overwhelmed by emotions? Do you wake up with a sense of dread? I know how tough life can be at times and how lonely it feels when no one seems to understand. If you’re wondering when you’ll feel happy or hopeful again, or you’re worrying about the future and fearing the worst, or maybe you’re struggling with a big change and a sense of who you are; I’d like to help. Being able to talk freely to someone, without fear of judgement or shame, can be a huge relief. Feeling seen and truly heard, and accepted for who you are can be liberating.
01392 321316 View 01392 321316
Photo of Vanessa Johnson - Vanessa Johnson Therapy, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Vanessa Johnson Therapy
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Working in trauma informed way, I support those dealing with depression, anxiety, or suicidal feelings.
Life can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to offer a safe, comfortable confidential space where you can explore your feelings without judgment. Reaching out can be daunting, but I aim to make the process as easy and supportive as possible. Together, we’ll work toward your therapy goals, with trust, openness, and even a bit of humour—therapy doesn’t always have to be serious! I specialize in helping with relationship issues, domestic abuse, trauma, and sexual abuse (both childhood and adult).
Working in trauma informed way, I support those dealing with depression, anxiety, or suicidal feelings.
Life can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to offer a safe, comfortable confidential space where you can explore your feelings without judgment. Reaching out can be daunting, but I aim to make the process as easy and supportive as possible. Together, we’ll work toward your therapy goals, with trust, openness, and even a bit of humour—therapy doesn’t always have to be serious! I specialize in helping with relationship issues, domestic abuse, trauma, and sexual abuse (both childhood and adult).
01392 321305 View 01392 321305
Photo of Tonia Aitken, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Tonia Aitken
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Though I work with people who have experienced a broad range of emotional and psychological difficulties and trauma, I have particular interest in working with bereavement and loss (including the loss of a loved one to suicide); women’s issues; couples work and relationship problems of all kinds (including domestic abuse).
Hello, I’m Tonia, a relational psychotherapist trained in Transactional Analysis(TA). The decision to go to therapy is never an easy one. Approaching someone you don’t know to share intimate details about painful subjects can feel daunting. However, please be reassured, I am an experienced, warm, and empathic practitioner who is open minded and non-judgmental. I offer a safe and totally confidential space for us to work closely together to help you understand yourself and your relationships better, and to explore what may be going on behind the difficult emotions, thoughts and behaviours troubling you.
Though I work with people who have experienced a broad range of emotional and psychological difficulties and trauma, I have particular interest in working with bereavement and loss (including the loss of a loved one to suicide); women’s issues; couples work and relationship problems of all kinds (including domestic abuse).
Hello, I’m Tonia, a relational psychotherapist trained in Transactional Analysis(TA). The decision to go to therapy is never an easy one. Approaching someone you don’t know to share intimate details about painful subjects can feel daunting. However, please be reassured, I am an experienced, warm, and empathic practitioner who is open minded and non-judgmental. I offer a safe and totally confidential space for us to work closely together to help you understand yourself and your relationships better, and to explore what may be going on behind the difficult emotions, thoughts and behaviours troubling you.
01392 537182 View 01392 537182
Photo of Tim Williamson, Counsellor, MBACP
Tim Williamson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
I work primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and bereavement (I have particular experience in bereavement by suicide).
It was Mr Miyagi in the movie “The Karate Kid” who said, “You know, but you do not understand.” We are often aware of the feelings and thoughts we are having, the behaviours they are causing and the distress that can generate. We can even know the traumas that have happened that we can attribute them to. But we can’t understand or articulate them enough to change them and heal. Perhaps this is the way you feel? Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety, depression or both for some time and everyday life is more challenging than you want it to be? Maybe you’ve experienced a traumatic event that you can’t seem to get over?
I work primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and bereavement (I have particular experience in bereavement by suicide).
It was Mr Miyagi in the movie “The Karate Kid” who said, “You know, but you do not understand.” We are often aware of the feelings and thoughts we are having, the behaviours they are causing and the distress that can generate. We can even know the traumas that have happened that we can attribute them to. But we can’t understand or articulate them enough to change them and heal. Perhaps this is the way you feel? Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety, depression or both for some time and everyday life is more challenging than you want it to be? Maybe you’ve experienced a traumatic event that you can’t seem to get over?
07480 488746 View 07480 488746
Photo of Beverley Beckett Pncps (Acc.) Specialist Tailored Counselling, Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Beverley Beckett Pncps (Acc.) Specialist Tailored Counselling
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, with professional accreditation from the NCPS and I am registered with the BACP.
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, with professional accreditation from the NCPS and I am registered with the BACP.
07401 263192 View 07401 263192
Photo of Lue Glover Wilson, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, SNCPS Acc.
Lue Glover Wilson
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
As a bereavement counsellor, my specialist area is bereavement through suicide.
Counselling can seem a challenge if you have never sought this kind of help before, but my aim at the outset is to provide the beginnings of a therapeutic relationship which can open the door to an exploration of experience of the past, as well as the present. The aim of therapy can be specific, or obscure, but together we will work towards an achievable goal. I work intuitively, but with firm boundaries which keep us both safe within a very special relationship. Therapy can be long term, or short term, but it is the client who decides what number of sessions is going to be most beneficial.
As a bereavement counsellor, my specialist area is bereavement through suicide.
Counselling can seem a challenge if you have never sought this kind of help before, but my aim at the outset is to provide the beginnings of a therapeutic relationship which can open the door to an exploration of experience of the past, as well as the present. The aim of therapy can be specific, or obscure, but together we will work towards an achievable goal. I work intuitively, but with firm boundaries which keep us both safe within a very special relationship. Therapy can be long term, or short term, but it is the client who decides what number of sessions is going to be most beneficial.
01884 214067 View 01884 214067
Photo of Mareike Coakley, Counsellor, MBACP
Mareike Coakley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have experience of working with a wide range of presentations, including: grief, anger, parenting, identity, ND diagnosis, anxiety, suicidal ideation and boundaries.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or struggling with low self-esteem? Do you find relationships—whether with yourself or others—difficult right now? You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these emotions, patterns, and experiences. With a background in education and extensive experience supporting young people and adults, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their true, authentic selves. I wish for you that you find inner peace, true belonging and self-acceptance.
I have experience of working with a wide range of presentations, including: grief, anger, parenting, identity, ND diagnosis, anxiety, suicidal ideation and boundaries.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or struggling with low self-esteem? Do you find relationships—whether with yourself or others—difficult right now? You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these emotions, patterns, and experiences. With a background in education and extensive experience supporting young people and adults, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their true, authentic selves. I wish for you that you find inner peace, true belonging and self-acceptance.
0114 697 9379 View 0114 697 9379
Photo of Detti Balla, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Detti Balla
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hi! I am Detti Balla, a BACP registered counsellor, clinical and disaster trauma specialist, and educator in the areas of PTSD, disaster trauma, compassion fatigue, critical incident and stress management and more. My goal is to support and equip you with the tools necessary to overcome any challenges you may be facing, and empower you to overcome/dismantle any barriers that may be holding you back from finding hope and peace in living your life.
Hi! I am Detti Balla, a BACP registered counsellor, clinical and disaster trauma specialist, and educator in the areas of PTSD, disaster trauma, compassion fatigue, critical incident and stress management and more. My goal is to support and equip you with the tools necessary to overcome any challenges you may be facing, and empower you to overcome/dismantle any barriers that may be holding you back from finding hope and peace in living your life.
01747 440067 View 01747 440067
Photo of Jurgen Wolfram Schwarz, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Jurgen Wolfram Schwarz
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
01392 321548 View 01392 321548
Photo of Christine Martin, Counsellor, MBACP
Christine Martin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Transitions and dilemmas can occur at any point during a person's life. These might include marriage or becoming a couple: changes in role: uncertainty in identity relationship difficulties: pregnancy: childbirth; and the challenges presented during the aging process. It is common to experience uncertainty, confusion, fear, and pressure at times of change or loss. Depression and anxiety may emerge as well as other, less common mental health issues. I work with neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. It is not necessary to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from our sessions.
Transitions and dilemmas can occur at any point during a person's life. These might include marriage or becoming a couple: changes in role: uncertainty in identity relationship difficulties: pregnancy: childbirth; and the challenges presented during the aging process. It is common to experience uncertainty, confusion, fear, and pressure at times of change or loss. Depression and anxiety may emerge as well as other, less common mental health issues. I work with neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. It is not necessary to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from our sessions.
07512 899833 View 07512 899833
Photo of Dr Hannah Marie Galvin, Psychotherapist, PhD, ACP
Dr Hannah Marie Galvin
Psychotherapist, PhD, ACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I'm a psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a visiting lecturer at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild to moderate, sometimes more severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, distressed or worried, others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about why they encounter the same patterns.
I'm a psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a visiting lecturer at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild to moderate, sometimes more severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, distressed or worried, others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about why they encounter the same patterns.
01392 321462 View 01392 321462
Photo of Antonella Depetro, Counsellor, MBACP
Antonella Depetro
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Welcome. My name is Antonella and I'm an experienced and dedicated counsellor working with both adults and young people. I support people who are going through all kinds of struggles and challenges. Clients I have worked with have told me that for the first time they were able to talk and express their feelings and thoughts about themselves and life as they felt safe and comfortable. I offer a safe and confidential space where you are free to explore yourself and your concerns, and discover your inner resources at your own pace. I will genuinely listen, be with you and accept you for who you are without judgement.
Welcome. My name is Antonella and I'm an experienced and dedicated counsellor working with both adults and young people. I support people who are going through all kinds of struggles and challenges. Clients I have worked with have told me that for the first time they were able to talk and express their feelings and thoughts about themselves and life as they felt safe and comfortable. I offer a safe and confidential space where you are free to explore yourself and your concerns, and discover your inner resources at your own pace. I will genuinely listen, be with you and accept you for who you are without judgement.
01392 321204 View 01392 321204
Photo of Laura Jayne Sollis, Counsellor, MBACP
Laura Jayne Sollis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Do you feel stuck, anxious or overwhelmed? Perhaps worry, lack of confidence or low self esteem is having a negative effect on your life, causing you to feel isolated and alone. Talking to loved one about what we are experiencing can feel difficult, we worry that we are putting to much on them or we don't want them to worry about us. Talking to a counsellor can be really helpful at these times and can show a way forward. However I understand that a good counselling relationship is vital to support you in moving toward your goals.
Do you feel stuck, anxious or overwhelmed? Perhaps worry, lack of confidence or low self esteem is having a negative effect on your life, causing you to feel isolated and alone. Talking to loved one about what we are experiencing can feel difficult, we worry that we are putting to much on them or we don't want them to worry about us. Talking to a counsellor can be really helpful at these times and can show a way forward. However I understand that a good counselling relationship is vital to support you in moving toward your goals.
01363 720245 View 01363 720245
Photo of Rachel Anna Jones, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Rachel Anna Jones
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
As an experienced nurse and family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with mental health, relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have an interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.
As an experienced nurse and family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with mental health, relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have an interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.
01392 537185 View 01392 537185
Photo of James Barnes - James Barnes MA., MSc., Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
James Barnes MA., MSc.
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am an experienced psychotherapist in private practise, as well as teaching faculty on foundation and advanced counselling courses in Exeter, UK. I firmly believe that we are fundamentally relational beings, ones that need security, understanding & care above all else. Real change comes not from trying to fix thinking patterns, self-concepts or the past, but in shifting relational dynamics in the here and now and finding new ways of being with another. This is what I focus on in therapy with my clients,
I am an experienced psychotherapist in private practise, as well as teaching faculty on foundation and advanced counselling courses in Exeter, UK. I firmly believe that we are fundamentally relational beings, ones that need security, understanding & care above all else. Real change comes not from trying to fix thinking patterns, self-concepts or the past, but in shifting relational dynamics in the here and now and finding new ways of being with another. This is what I focus on in therapy with my clients,
01392 321269 View 01392 321269
Photo of Maxine Spencer, Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Maxine Spencer
Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
My practice is grounded in my commitment to create a safe, confidential, secure and non-judgemental environment where my clients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours at a pace that feels right for them. All too often modern living can leave us with very little space to think about our own needs. Our relationships and health can suffer as a result. Therapy can be helpful when emotional suffering becomes too much and at times of crisis when life can feel difficult or unmanageable. If you are looking for individual or couples therapy, reach out for a free initial discussion to see if you think I can help you.
My practice is grounded in my commitment to create a safe, confidential, secure and non-judgemental environment where my clients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours at a pace that feels right for them. All too often modern living can leave us with very little space to think about our own needs. Our relationships and health can suffer as a result. Therapy can be helpful when emotional suffering becomes too much and at times of crisis when life can feel difficult or unmanageable. If you are looking for individual or couples therapy, reach out for a free initial discussion to see if you think I can help you.
01392 321118 View 01392 321118
Photo of Renee Norris - Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+, Counsellor, MBACP
Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
01392 531578 View 01392 531578
Photo of Amy Mellin, Counsellor, MBACP
Amy Mellin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
01392 542887 View 01392 542887
Photo of Menah Raven-Ellison, PhD, MBABCP
Menah Raven-Ellison
PhD, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello there, I’m Menah. It can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling so you’ve taken the first important step. I understand how problems with low mood and anxiety can overshadow everything, leaving you feeling hopeless and out of control. When you're stuck and overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings this often means being unable to do what you need to do. I can work with you to feel better and get back on track. I'm here to help.
Hello there, I’m Menah. It can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling so you’ve taken the first important step. I understand how problems with low mood and anxiety can overshadow everything, leaving you feeling hopeless and out of control. When you're stuck and overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings this often means being unable to do what you need to do. I can work with you to feel better and get back on track. I'm here to help.
01392 542723 View 01392 542723
1

See more therapy options for Exeter

Suicidal Ideation Counsellors

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 behavioural 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 behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour 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.