Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Vista, CA

Photo of Jenna Suway, Psychologist, PhD
Jenna Suway
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
(442) 313-2372 View (442) 313-2372
Photo of Chris Peterson, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Chris Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Vista, CA 92081
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy (Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy (Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
(760) 642-5557 View (760) 642-5557
Photo of Serena Goldsmith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serena Goldsmith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hi, I'm Serena. I am here to provide a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for you to address the challenges you are experiencing in order to live a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.
Hi, I'm Serena. I am here to provide a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for you to address the challenges you are experiencing in order to live a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.
(760) 304-1779 View (760) 304-1779
Photo of Donice Gilbertson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Donice Gilbertson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Vista, CA 92084
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
(442) 305-7486 View (442) 305-7486
Photo of Liza Castro, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #145076
Liza Castro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #145076
Vista, CA 92083
Most of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or carrying heavy experiences they’ve tried to push through on their own. Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma. They’re often dealing with PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks, or relationship struggles, and they’re ready for real change. I can help by combining EMDR with practical, evidence-based tools to reprocess painful memories so they no longer control your present. You’ll gain clarity, reduce anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself again.
Most of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or carrying heavy experiences they’ve tried to push through on their own. Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma. They’re often dealing with PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks, or relationship struggles, and they’re ready for real change. I can help by combining EMDR with practical, evidence-based tools to reprocess painful memories so they no longer control your present. You’ll gain clarity, reduce anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself again.
(760) 512-8508 View (760) 512-8508
Photo of Marissa Morin, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Marissa Morin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I have worked with a wide range of individuals, couples and families struggling with a diverse array of problems and stressors. I approach therapy from a non pathologizing frame where I believe each individual has the ability to change their life and their reality. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families that are motivated and determined to make lasting changes in their lives. I am inspired by everyones different story and strongly believe that when there is a will there is a way. I am passionate in supporting people as they grow into the person they want to be and create the life they desire.
I have worked with a wide range of individuals, couples and families struggling with a diverse array of problems and stressors. I approach therapy from a non pathologizing frame where I believe each individual has the ability to change their life and their reality. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families that are motivated and determined to make lasting changes in their lives. I am inspired by everyones different story and strongly believe that when there is a will there is a way. I am passionate in supporting people as they grow into the person they want to be and create the life they desire.
(619) 257-5954 View (619) 257-5954
Photo of Dr. Brianna Meshke McLay, Licensed Educational Psychologist, PhD, LEP
Dr. Brianna Meshke McLay
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PhD, LEP
Vista, CA 92081
As a licensed educational psychologist, I am here to support individuals of all ages and their families. I enjoy helping adults (e.g., those seeking diagnostic clarity after years of misdiagnosis, masking, etc.) in addition to families with children. I have assessed children of various ages but have the most experience working with adolescents. I can help parents identify their child's unique strengths and challenges in addition to offering recommendations on how best to support them.
As a licensed educational psychologist, I am here to support individuals of all ages and their families. I enjoy helping adults (e.g., those seeking diagnostic clarity after years of misdiagnosis, masking, etc.) in addition to families with children. I have assessed children of various ages but have the most experience working with adolescents. I can help parents identify their child's unique strengths and challenges in addition to offering recommendations on how best to support them.
(760) 498-2747 View (760) 498-2747
Photo of Paula Ratter, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
(442) 275-8529 View (442) 275-8529
Photo of Lilly Parks Springer, Psychologist, PsyD
Lilly Parks Springer
Psychologist, PsyD
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating, anxiety, and depressive disorders in teens and young adults. I utilize evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT-E, ACT, CBT-AR, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have 5 years of experience using a DBT approach for eating disorder treatment and also specialize in Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for families of teens with eating disorders. I have extensive experience in the treatment of athletes with eating disorders and am passionate about helping my clients re-discover their love for their sport in such a way that aligns with their recovery goals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating, anxiety, and depressive disorders in teens and young adults. I utilize evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT-E, ACT, CBT-AR, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have 5 years of experience using a DBT approach for eating disorder treatment and also specialize in Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for families of teens with eating disorders. I have extensive experience in the treatment of athletes with eating disorders and am passionate about helping my clients re-discover their love for their sport in such a way that aligns with their recovery goals.
(760) 276-6809 View (760) 276-6809
Photo of David Antonetti, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
David Antonetti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92083
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
(760) 276-6150 View (760) 276-6150
Photo of Joncannon Eiden, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Joncannon Eiden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
(760) 882-8956 View (760) 882-8956
Photo of Roberta Phillips-Copeland, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Roberta Phillips-Copeland
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
(916) 426-8942 View (916) 426-8942
Photo of Clare Edwards, Psychologist, PhD
Clare Edwards
Psychologist, PhD
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
(442) 239-4226 View (442) 239-4226
Photo of Sue Boyd - Therapy For You Counseling Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapy For You Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vista, CA 92084
At Therapy For You Counseling Center, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to navigate life's challenges. We now have immediate openings and take Aetna, Optum, Cigna and Blue Shield insurances. We answer our phone or call back immediately! Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is dedicated to helping you uncover your strengths, heal from past wounds, and create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow—reach out today to make an appointment. We look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
At Therapy For You Counseling Center, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to navigate life's challenges. We now have immediate openings and take Aetna, Optum, Cigna and Blue Shield insurances. We answer our phone or call back immediately! Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is dedicated to helping you uncover your strengths, heal from past wounds, and create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow—reach out today to make an appointment. We look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
(442) 254-6063 View (442) 254-6063
Photo of Kendra Claire Wilhelm, Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Kendra Claire Wilhelm
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92083
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
(619) 367-8413 View (619) 367-8413
Photo of Sue Boyd - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD, LMFT
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92084
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
(619) 787-6676 View (619) 787-6676
Photo of Carissa Pilkington, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ASW
Carissa Pilkington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ASW
Vista, CA 92084
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
(619) 787-6676 View (619) 787-6676
Photo of Margaret Boyd - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy Private DBT IOP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBT IOP
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy Private DBT IOP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBT IOP
Vista, CA 92084
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough.
PEP provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in our IOP — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT IOP delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough.
PEP provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in our IOP — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT IOP delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
(619) 787-6676 View (619) 787-6676
Photo of Soojin Poole - Soojin Poole - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Soojin Poole - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Vista, CA 92084
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Is excessive worry or sadness limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a life worth living? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, panic, excessive worry & depression is our primary focus. By using proven therapy methods (We are Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, skills & reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
(619) 787-6676 View (619) 787-6676
Photo of Autumn Horton - Autumn Horton - Personal Evolution Pyschotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Autumn Horton - Personal Evolution Pyschotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92084
Autumn has formal training in Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Safety and Suicide Prevention, Psychological First Aid, and working affirmatively with LGBTQIA patients.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Autumn has formal training in Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Safety and Suicide Prevention, Psychological First Aid, and working affirmatively with LGBTQIA patients.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
(619) 787-6676 View (619) 787-6676

See more therapy options for Vista

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.