Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Denver, CO

Photo of Jj Abbott, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jj Abbott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
Waitlist for new clients
If self-harm or suicidal thoughts are a concern, we’ll focus on safety and building identity to increase hope.
Is your teen dealing with trauma, tough relationships, or just feeling stuck? They're not alone, and they don’t have to go through it by themselves. In therapy, we’ll work on understanding those past experiences, building stronger coping skills, and finding a path forward that feels better. Your teen might want to feel more in control, have healthier relationships, and not be so overwhelmed by emotions. It’s all about learning to bounce back, build confidence, and create a future that feels possible.
If self-harm or suicidal thoughts are a concern, we’ll focus on safety and building identity to increase hope.
Is your teen dealing with trauma, tough relationships, or just feeling stuck? They're not alone, and they don’t have to go through it by themselves. In therapy, we’ll work on understanding those past experiences, building stronger coping skills, and finding a path forward that feels better. Your teen might want to feel more in control, have healthier relationships, and not be so overwhelmed by emotions. It’s all about learning to bounce back, build confidence, and create a future that feels possible.
(720) 615-3658 View (720) 615-3658
Photo of Bri Dixon - Wild Awakening Counseling and Healing, MEd , LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wild Awakening Counseling and Healing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with clients who are wanting to heal from substance use, thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma.
In session you can expect us to explore your relationship with yourself and others, and often times we'll talk about what's happening between us in therapy. I integrate "parts" work and use somatic exercises and ecotherapy to deepen your experience with yourself and the world around you. I'm direct, transparent, but also compassionate and funny.
I work with clients who are wanting to heal from substance use, thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma.
In session you can expect us to explore your relationship with yourself and others, and often times we'll talk about what's happening between us in therapy. I integrate "parts" work and use somatic exercises and ecotherapy to deepen your experience with yourself and the world around you. I'm direct, transparent, but also compassionate and funny.
(970) 736-3649 View (970) 736-3649
Photo of Kate Millichamp, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Millichamp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of my clients struggle with persistent negative emotions and thought patterns, suicidal ideation, acute feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, difficulty coping with past experiences, loss of interest or enjoyment in life, unhealthy coping, and interpersonal challenges.
I partner with clients to help them achieve a greater sense of hope, overcome emotional wounds, improve life circumstances and satisfaction, reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, increase self-determination, and improve assertiveness. My work also focuses on teaching practical tools to help clients improve emotion regulation and increase healthier coping.
Many of my clients struggle with persistent negative emotions and thought patterns, suicidal ideation, acute feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, difficulty coping with past experiences, loss of interest or enjoyment in life, unhealthy coping, and interpersonal challenges.
I partner with clients to help them achieve a greater sense of hope, overcome emotional wounds, improve life circumstances and satisfaction, reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, increase self-determination, and improve assertiveness. My work also focuses on teaching practical tools to help clients improve emotion regulation and increase healthier coping.
(720) 702-4428 View (720) 702-4428
Photo of Benjamin Finlayson - The Hope Institute of Boulder, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Hope Institute of Boulder
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Individuals struggling with suicidal ideation can come to The Hope Institute for short-term outpatient treatment that increases hope and stability with proven results.
We provide short-term outpatient care (average of 6 weeks) that includes individual counseling, group counseling, and family counseling options. We can offer clients up to four contact points per week for those most in need. Our team of highly trained clinicians has a proven track records of reducing suicidal ideation in six (6) weeks or less.
Individuals struggling with suicidal ideation can come to The Hope Institute for short-term outpatient treatment that increases hope and stability with proven results.
We provide short-term outpatient care (average of 6 weeks) that includes individual counseling, group counseling, and family counseling options. We can offer clients up to four contact points per week for those most in need. Our team of highly trained clinicians has a proven track records of reducing suicidal ideation in six (6) weeks or less.
(720) 809-8549 View (720) 809-8549
Photo of Elizabeth M Murphy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth M Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
And sometimes we can feel a little too stuck and start having suicidal thoughts.
I’m a licensed therapist whose passion is seeing a person go from functioning to thriving in life. My experience includes working with people going through various life transitions, healing from toxic relationships, and individuals trying to manage their suicidal ideations. I’ve worked mainly with adolescents and adults.
And sometimes we can feel a little too stuck and start having suicidal thoughts.
I’m a licensed therapist whose passion is seeing a person go from functioning to thriving in life. My experience includes working with people going through various life transitions, healing from toxic relationships, and individuals trying to manage their suicidal ideations. I’ve worked mainly with adolescents and adults.
(720) 782-6455 View (720) 782-6455
Photo of Alyssa Nazario, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alyssa Nazario
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
As an LCSW specializing in suicide prevention, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and PTSD treatment, I bring 9 years of dedicated experience in mental health to support your journey towards healing and empowerment.
Specializing in treating unresolved trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidality, I offer a supportive approach tailored to your needs. With a focus on solution-focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, and interpersonal therapy, I support the Military/First Response community, BIPOC communities.
As an LCSW specializing in suicide prevention, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and PTSD treatment, I bring 9 years of dedicated experience in mental health to support your journey towards healing and empowerment.
Specializing in treating unresolved trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidality, I offer a supportive approach tailored to your needs. With a focus on solution-focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, and interpersonal therapy, I support the Military/First Response community, BIPOC communities.
(720) 649-6361 View (720) 649-6361
Photo of Erica O Hughes, LMFT, ACD, SAP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erica O Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ACD, SAP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in working with adolescents who experience suicidal tendencies, self-harming behaviors and depression and anxiety.
I am a systemic thinker and believe that when you start to change yourself, the things and people around you start to change with you. I look a lot at self-care practices and solution-focused theories along with incorporating mindfulness.
I specialize in working with adolescents who experience suicidal tendencies, self-harming behaviors and depression and anxiety.
I am a systemic thinker and believe that when you start to change yourself, the things and people around you start to change with you. I look a lot at self-care practices and solution-focused theories along with incorporating mindfulness.
(720) 770-3894 View (720) 770-3894
Photo of Martha Hall Bethea, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Martha Hall Bethea
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
My professional experience has provided me with the skills and disposition necessary to aid persons struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation and other mental health concerns commonly experienced by individuals aged 12 and up.
I specialize in working with teens and young adults who experience suicidal ideation. I remember just how hard it was to be a teenager and how it felt to be a teenager in therapy. I utilize music, games, art and other activities to make therapy a fun and engaging environment where you can feel safe expressing uncomfortable emotions.
My professional experience has provided me with the skills and disposition necessary to aid persons struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation and other mental health concerns commonly experienced by individuals aged 12 and up.
I specialize in working with teens and young adults who experience suicidal ideation. I remember just how hard it was to be a teenager and how it felt to be a teenager in therapy. I utilize music, games, art and other activities to make therapy a fun and engaging environment where you can feel safe expressing uncomfortable emotions.
(719) 415-3613 View (719) 415-3613
Photo of Sonia Dominguez, BM, MT-BC, RYT, ASDI
Sonia Dominguez
BM, MT-BC, RYT, ASDI
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in (but am not limited to): Trauma, childhood trauma, suicide ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, coping skills, grief, women's issues, and neurodiversity.
I completed my Music Therapy Bachelor of Music degree from Colorado State University and completed my Music Therapy Board Certification exam, number: 18933 in 2023. I am now practicing as a professional Music Therapist at Creative Remedies, LLC. I am a neurodivergent clinician passionate about creating a client centered experience with my clients eliminating as much power dynamics as possible. I am a trauma informed, humanistic, and neurologic informed clinician. I have made great strides to be where I am today and use my niche evidence-based skills, knowledge, and experiences to support my clients to achieve our cohesive goals.
I specialize in (but am not limited to): Trauma, childhood trauma, suicide ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, coping skills, grief, women's issues, and neurodiversity.
I completed my Music Therapy Bachelor of Music degree from Colorado State University and completed my Music Therapy Board Certification exam, number: 18933 in 2023. I am now practicing as a professional Music Therapist at Creative Remedies, LLC. I am a neurodivergent clinician passionate about creating a client centered experience with my clients eliminating as much power dynamics as possible. I am a trauma informed, humanistic, and neurologic informed clinician. I have made great strides to be where I am today and use my niche evidence-based skills, knowledge, and experiences to support my clients to achieve our cohesive goals.
(720) 664-7683 View (720) 664-7683
Photo of Deborah Warner, NLC, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deborah Warner
Licensed Professional Counselor, NLC, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder, abuse and trauma recovery, as well as suicide prevention, awareness, and attempt healing.
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" - Haruki Murakami This quote is a personal favorite because it acknowledges that people and events in our lives will cause hurt. The real stunt in our growth, however, comes from suffering. This occurs when we try to force our way through difficult situations or ignore them altogether. Only by truly accepting our situation and feeling our emotions as they were meant to be felt can we overcome the pain that enters our lives. Skills taught in counseling can help do just that. If you are ready to end your suffering, I would love to assist you on that path.
I specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder, abuse and trauma recovery, as well as suicide prevention, awareness, and attempt healing.
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" - Haruki Murakami This quote is a personal favorite because it acknowledges that people and events in our lives will cause hurt. The real stunt in our growth, however, comes from suffering. This occurs when we try to force our way through difficult situations or ignore them altogether. Only by truly accepting our situation and feeling our emotions as they were meant to be felt can we overcome the pain that enters our lives. Skills taught in counseling can help do just that. If you are ready to end your suffering, I would love to assist you on that path.
(720) 680-3240 View (720) 680-3240
Photo of Chelsea Van Essen - Logos Healing Institute, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Logos Healing Institute
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
If you experience anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, dissociation, insomnia, panic attacks, chronic pain, social isolation, self-harm or suicidal ideation, and other unwanted thoughts or behaviors, we would love to come alongside you and be your guide on your healing journey.
We understand trauma, we understand attachment, we understand development and we can help you achieve your goals and what healing looks like for you. We are here to listen and to partner with you on this journey.
If you experience anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, dissociation, insomnia, panic attacks, chronic pain, social isolation, self-harm or suicidal ideation, and other unwanted thoughts or behaviors, we would love to come alongside you and be your guide on your healing journey.
We understand trauma, we understand attachment, we understand development and we can help you achieve your goals and what healing looks like for you. We are here to listen and to partner with you on this journey.
(303) 622-3919 View (303) 622-3919
Photo of Binta Cross, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Binta Cross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
Whether you need help building healthy coping skills, or help navigating panic, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts - YOU are welcome here!.
I believe (and research indicates) that good therapy happens in the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. I am a relational therapist who uses a blend of modalities to help facilitate change. The approaches I am attracted to mirror my belief that people have an innate capacity to heal (but we all need help tapping into that capacity sometimes).
Whether you need help building healthy coping skills, or help navigating panic, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts - YOU are welcome here!.
I believe (and research indicates) that good therapy happens in the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. I am a relational therapist who uses a blend of modalities to help facilitate change. The approaches I am attracted to mirror my belief that people have an innate capacity to heal (but we all need help tapping into that capacity sometimes).
(720) 782-2496 View (720) 782-2496
Photo of Nicole Dunas, MFA, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Dunas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
Waitlist for new clients
I've worked with individuals experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship/marital issues, grief, attachment issues, suicidal ideation, physical/sexual abuse and mental illness.
Creating a safe environment is where I begin. I see therapy as a collaborative process that can lead you toward a greater capacity for self-awareness, trust, clarity, a sense of meaning and freedom. Life gives us surprising obstacles, which can make us feel stuck, depressed, alone or scared. With therapeutic presence, creativity and guidance, we can change our relationship to obstacles and transform. Our darkest point may mark the moment we realize we want to change. I use yoga and creative writing in my practice, and have training in mindfulness/somatic approaches, gestalt therapy, family systems, DBT, & depth psychology.
I've worked with individuals experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship/marital issues, grief, attachment issues, suicidal ideation, physical/sexual abuse and mental illness.
Creating a safe environment is where I begin. I see therapy as a collaborative process that can lead you toward a greater capacity for self-awareness, trust, clarity, a sense of meaning and freedom. Life gives us surprising obstacles, which can make us feel stuck, depressed, alone or scared. With therapeutic presence, creativity and guidance, we can change our relationship to obstacles and transform. Our darkest point may mark the moment we realize we want to change. I use yoga and creative writing in my practice, and have training in mindfulness/somatic approaches, gestalt therapy, family systems, DBT, & depth psychology.
(720) 613-6799 View (720) 613-6799
Photo of Gillian Kaag, PhD, PSYPACT, Psychologist
Gillian Kaag
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I am a clinical specialist with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, depression, complicated grief ( suicide loss, perinatal loss), and unwanted sexual experiences (rape, sexual assault, harassment, violence).
As a psychologist, I partner with clients to help them heal from raw emotional pain, recognize their inner strengths, and build resiliency in the face of life’s biggest challenges. My style is one that is warm and nurturing while also direct and honest. If you’re feeling stuck, not good enough, lonely, overwhelmed, devastated, or ashamed, you are not alone. I have dedicated my career to learning gold standard treatments to ensure that when clients have the courage to reach out for help, I am able to offer treatment interventions that they can trust will make a difference.
I am a clinical specialist with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, depression, complicated grief ( suicide loss, perinatal loss), and unwanted sexual experiences (rape, sexual assault, harassment, violence).
As a psychologist, I partner with clients to help them heal from raw emotional pain, recognize their inner strengths, and build resiliency in the face of life’s biggest challenges. My style is one that is warm and nurturing while also direct and honest. If you’re feeling stuck, not good enough, lonely, overwhelmed, devastated, or ashamed, you are not alone. I have dedicated my career to learning gold standard treatments to ensure that when clients have the courage to reach out for help, I am able to offer treatment interventions that they can trust will make a difference.
(720) 730-6722 View (720) 730-6722
Photo of Joe Cardamone, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joe Cardamone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Additionally, I have a longstanding personal and professional background with suicide and am embracing of clients who have experienced suicidality and are seeking to talk about it.
My practice seeks to create warm, safe spaces for clients to release emotion and feel heard, seen, and validated. I view individuals as the experts of their own experience, and (rather than judging) my goal is to support clients as a collaborator and ally. I believe whole-heartedly that every person I come into contact with has certain strengths and tools that are useful in achieving desired outcomes. My role will always be to learn from you, identify what makes you strong and unique, and co-create goals and meaningful experiences in therapy sessions. My approach acknowledges societal injustice, culture, and oppression/privilege.
Additionally, I have a longstanding personal and professional background with suicide and am embracing of clients who have experienced suicidality and are seeking to talk about it.
My practice seeks to create warm, safe spaces for clients to release emotion and feel heard, seen, and validated. I view individuals as the experts of their own experience, and (rather than judging) my goal is to support clients as a collaborator and ally. I believe whole-heartedly that every person I come into contact with has certain strengths and tools that are useful in achieving desired outcomes. My role will always be to learn from you, identify what makes you strong and unique, and co-create goals and meaningful experiences in therapy sessions. My approach acknowledges societal injustice, culture, and oppression/privilege.
(720) 669-6637 View (720) 669-6637
Photo of Jeffrey Boscoe - Boscoe-Huffman Wellness Center, PsyD, Psychologist
Boscoe-Huffman Wellness Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
We treat a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, anger, parental divorce/separation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, ADHD, low self-esteem, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, academic performance and behavior issues, suicidal ideation, mood disorder( including Bipolar Disorder), thought disorder, PTSD, Boderline Personality Disorder and Asperger's Disorder.
We specialize in working with children and adolescents as well as children who are sexually acting-out, victims of sexual abuse, and who sexually abuse other children. Perpetration and victimization issues addressed include; sexual abuse cycle, power and control behavior, anger management,etc.
We treat a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, anger, parental divorce/separation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, ADHD, low self-esteem, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, academic performance and behavior issues, suicidal ideation, mood disorder( including Bipolar Disorder), thought disorder, PTSD, Boderline Personality Disorder and Asperger's Disorder.
We specialize in working with children and adolescents as well as children who are sexually acting-out, victims of sexual abuse, and who sexually abuse other children. Perpetration and victimization issues addressed include; sexual abuse cycle, power and control behavior, anger management,etc.
(303) 900-5392 View (303) 900-5392
Photo of Sue Foster, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80237
Life losses take many forms: The loss of a loved one, suicide loss, life transitions, loss of a relationship, physical losses, psychological losses, loss from trauma, financial losses, loss of a pet, loss from natural causes, and so on.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I have over 20 years experience in the area of grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, women's issues, adolescent issues, and other life challenges. I also specialize in suicide loss and have published a book for survivors of suicide, "Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone You Love."
Life losses take many forms: The loss of a loved one, suicide loss, life transitions, loss of a relationship, physical losses, psychological losses, loss from trauma, financial losses, loss of a pet, loss from natural causes, and so on.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I have over 20 years experience in the area of grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, women's issues, adolescent issues, and other life challenges. I also specialize in suicide loss and have published a book for survivors of suicide, "Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone You Love."
(720) 650-7751 View (720) 650-7751
Photo of Anna Rebecca Quinn, LPC, RPT, IRT, Counselor
Anna Rebecca Quinn
Counselor, LPC, RPT, IRT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My therapeutic specialties are too many to list here, but a short list is: couples counseling, Relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, parenting, spirituality, career transitions, transgender transitioning, trauma, LGBTQ, life transitions, teen suicide prevention, and health and wellness,.
My name is Anna Rebecca Quinn, (formerly Kujawa), and I am a holistic psychotherapist. I am a therapist who sees you as a whole person comprised of a body, mind, and spirit, and I include all parts of you in your healing journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor of 25 years, a Registered Play Therapist, and a certified Imago Relationship Therapist. My client base these days is comprised mostly of individuals, couples, teens, and elders. I don't currently have a play therapy office to do play therapy for kids, but as a kids therapist of many years, I can be of great service to parents or caregivers who need parenting support.
My therapeutic specialties are too many to list here, but a short list is: couples counseling, Relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, parenting, spirituality, career transitions, transgender transitioning, trauma, LGBTQ, life transitions, teen suicide prevention, and health and wellness,.
My name is Anna Rebecca Quinn, (formerly Kujawa), and I am a holistic psychotherapist. I am a therapist who sees you as a whole person comprised of a body, mind, and spirit, and I include all parts of you in your healing journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor of 25 years, a Registered Play Therapist, and a certified Imago Relationship Therapist. My client base these days is comprised mostly of individuals, couples, teens, and elders. I don't currently have a play therapy office to do play therapy for kids, but as a kids therapist of many years, I can be of great service to parents or caregivers who need parenting support.
(303) 720-7974 View (303) 720-7974
Photo of Alexandra Wirth, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Wirth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to manage the stressful and overwhelming events in life? I have honed expertise in helping individuals & families facing complex dynamics related to parenting teens, adoption, trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
With 16 years of experience in child welfare, adoption/ caregiver support, and school settings, I am dedicated to empowering adolescents, adults & families navigate life's challenges. Specializing in crisis management, therapeutic interventions & parent education, I have worked with diverse populations to provide tailored support for emotional well-being.
Are you struggling to manage the stressful and overwhelming events in life? I have honed expertise in helping individuals & families facing complex dynamics related to parenting teens, adoption, trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
With 16 years of experience in child welfare, adoption/ caregiver support, and school settings, I am dedicated to empowering adolescents, adults & families navigate life's challenges. Specializing in crisis management, therapeutic interventions & parent education, I have worked with diverse populations to provide tailored support for emotional well-being.
(844) 407-3742 View (844) 407-3742
Photo of Erin O'Donnell, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin O'Donnell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80231
My experience includes a wide range of mood and personality disorders, suicidal tendencies, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, psychosis, aggression, emotional distress, trauma and abuse.
I enjoy incorporating non-traditional approaches into my practice, such as art therapy, as well as walk-and-talk therapy. I implement humor, while focusing on interpersonal psychotherapy in treating individuals who are in crisis.
My experience includes a wide range of mood and personality disorders, suicidal tendencies, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, psychosis, aggression, emotional distress, trauma and abuse.
I enjoy incorporating non-traditional approaches into my practice, such as art therapy, as well as walk-and-talk therapy. I implement humor, while focusing on interpersonal psychotherapy in treating individuals who are in crisis.
(720) 575-0804 View (720) 575-0804
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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.