Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Miami, FL

Suzelle Guinart
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Miami, FL 33130 (Online Only)
I have over 10 years of experience working with adults and young adults, specializing in issues dealing with self-esteem/self-worth challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, loss,
suicide
prevention and transitions in life.
Whether you are looking to find relief, increased direction in life, or feel empowered to make the changes you want to see happen, counseling can help you do so! Taking the first step to seek help takes bravery, courage, and determination. Believe it or not, you have just taken that first step! My name is Suzelle Guinart, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida.
I have over 10 years of experience working with adults and young adults, specializing in issues dealing with self-esteem/self-worth challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, loss,
suicide
prevention and transitions in life.
Whether you are looking to find relief, increased direction in life, or feel empowered to make the changes you want to see happen, counseling can help you do so! Taking the first step to seek help takes bravery, courage, and determination. Believe it or not, you have just taken that first step! My name is Suzelle Guinart, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida.

Nicole Rojas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Miami, FL 33137
My passion lies in helping individuals navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, anger,
suicidal ideation
, self-harm, relationships, identity, and life transitions.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues as well as histories of trauma and personality disorders. I have a nurturing yet directive style that helps individuals to feel at ease as they embark on their journey of exploring and understanding their unique experiences. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals to aid them in building a life worth living. I believe that therapy can enrich people's lives and relationships. I have seen clients overcome challenges and dramatically improve their lives.
My passion lies in helping individuals navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, anger,
suicidal ideation
, self-harm, relationships, identity, and life transitions.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues as well as histories of trauma and personality disorders. I have a nurturing yet directive style that helps individuals to feel at ease as they embark on their journey of exploring and understanding their unique experiences. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals to aid them in building a life worth living. I believe that therapy can enrich people's lives and relationships. I have seen clients overcome challenges and dramatically improve their lives.

Catherine Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33132 (Online Only)
No matter how bad things have been, even if you're dealing with
suicidal
thoughts, self-harm, or addiction - there is hope.
You're tired of being disappointed in yourself. Your emotions are out of control, and you don't know how to fix it. It seems like you go from 0-60 in just the blink of an eye, even though you don't want to. Sometimes you do things you aren't proud of - only to deal with the fallout later. You find it difficult to maintain relationships, and you're worried you might never get better.
No matter how bad things have been, even if you're dealing with
suicidal
thoughts, self-harm, or addiction - there is hope.
You're tired of being disappointed in yourself. Your emotions are out of control, and you don't know how to fix it. It seems like you go from 0-60 in just the blink of an eye, even though you don't want to. Sometimes you do things you aren't proud of - only to deal with the fallout later. You find it difficult to maintain relationships, and you're worried you might never get better.

MiMo Psychotherapy Group
Counselor, LMHC, DBT-LBC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33138
self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, eating disorders, substance abuse) and helping the family system move out of chaos.
Effective treatment inspires measurable positive change. My approach to therapy is to provide empirically-based interventions in a warm, collaborative and transparent manner. As Miami's first DBT certified therapist, I work with individuals who have difficulty managing their emotions, relationships and behaviors. I also teach mindfulness and behavior change strategies to promote psychological flexibility and therefore overall well-being. Our practice offers a fully adherent DBT program for adolescents, parents and adults wanting to improve interpersonal skills as well as distress tolerance skills and emotion regulation skills.
self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, eating disorders, substance abuse) and helping the family system move out of chaos.
Effective treatment inspires measurable positive change. My approach to therapy is to provide empirically-based interventions in a warm, collaborative and transparent manner. As Miami's first DBT certified therapist, I work with individuals who have difficulty managing their emotions, relationships and behaviors. I also teach mindfulness and behavior change strategies to promote psychological flexibility and therefore overall well-being. Our practice offers a fully adherent DBT program for adolescents, parents and adults wanting to improve interpersonal skills as well as distress tolerance skills and emotion regulation skills.

Olivia Schlapfer Colmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33137
I specialize in individual and couples therapy, pre-marital therapy, marriage therapy, grief and loss, anxiety and stress management, family therapy, depression management,
suicide
survivors, remarried families, and co-parenting.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida. I work with individuals, couples and families. Family dynamics can be challenging for even the strongest individuals and families. I use a solution focused approach to help people cope more effectively with their problems, while finding positive and sustainable change. My goal is to help people address difficulties they are experiencing in their relationships, break old patterns, develop concrete goals and practical ways to deal with life's challenges. I assist people in changing old perceptions into new ones, finding creative ways to solve problems and improving relationships and communication.
I specialize in individual and couples therapy, pre-marital therapy, marriage therapy, grief and loss, anxiety and stress management, family therapy, depression management,
suicide
survivors, remarried families, and co-parenting.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida. I work with individuals, couples and families. Family dynamics can be challenging for even the strongest individuals and families. I use a solution focused approach to help people cope more effectively with their problems, while finding positive and sustainable change. My goal is to help people address difficulties they are experiencing in their relationships, break old patterns, develop concrete goals and practical ways to deal with life's challenges. I assist people in changing old perceptions into new ones, finding creative ways to solve problems and improving relationships and communication.

Remy Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BEd
Verified
Miami, FL 33143
We all face moments in life in which we experience difficulties at home, school, work, or in relationships; seeking support for yourself and/or your children during these difficult times demonstrates a choice of strength. I provide therapy to ages three to forty. My experience includes but is not limited to working with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationships, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, school issues, stress, self-esteem, addiction, behavioral challenges and personality disorders. With a skilled, responsive and caring therapist at your side, life can become what you want it to be!
We all face moments in life in which we experience difficulties at home, school, work, or in relationships; seeking support for yourself and/or your children during these difficult times demonstrates a choice of strength. I provide therapy to ages three to forty. My experience includes but is not limited to working with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationships, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, school issues, stress, self-esteem, addiction, behavioral challenges and personality disorders. With a skilled, responsive and caring therapist at your side, life can become what you want it to be!

Monique Zellars
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33137 (Online Only)
She is skilled in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavoiral therapy to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, behavioral dysregulation,
suicidal ideation
and self harming behaviors.
Monique received a bachelor’s in History and African American Studies from The University of Michigan and a Master of Social Work from Tulane University. Prior to joining Rivia, Monique has worked in private practice, university settings and intensive outpatient programs. Monique uses a nonjudgemental approach to helping clients assess behaviors and develop goals for their life. By coupling building tangible skills with introspection, Monique is able to help clients develop a full view of their diagnosis without being stifled by ineffective shame or guilt.
She is skilled in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavoiral therapy to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, behavioral dysregulation,
suicidal ideation
and self harming behaviors.
Monique received a bachelor’s in History and African American Studies from The University of Michigan and a Master of Social Work from Tulane University. Prior to joining Rivia, Monique has worked in private practice, university settings and intensive outpatient programs. Monique uses a nonjudgemental approach to helping clients assess behaviors and develop goals for their life. By coupling building tangible skills with introspection, Monique is able to help clients develop a full view of their diagnosis without being stifled by ineffective shame or guilt.

Malka Moskovitz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Miami, FL 33179
I have a number of years of experience providing mental health therapy, and have worked with a range of issues. I have successfully treated individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, difficulty coping with life transitions, grief, family trauma and family issues. I have experience in marital issues, couples counseling, as well as relationship issues and divorce, work issues,
suicidal
thoughts and depression, self-esteem issues, teenage social-emotional issues, and adult psychiatry. I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and am a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Texas.
I have a number of years of experience providing mental health therapy, and have worked with a range of issues. I have successfully treated individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, difficulty coping with life transitions, grief, family trauma and family issues. I have experience in marital issues, couples counseling, as well as relationship issues and divorce, work issues,
suicidal
thoughts and depression, self-esteem issues, teenage social-emotional issues, and adult psychiatry. I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and am a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Texas.

Joycelyn Albury
Counselor, BS, MS, LMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33176 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who exhibit emotional and physical difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, mild to moderate
suicidal
and self-harm ideation, disordered eating and body image difficulties, identity-related issues, trauma, serious mental illnesses, as well as situational distress among other issues.
Taylor Swift put it well when she said that life can be emotionally abusive. The stressors of life can often be overwhelming and depending on our upbringing and the ways in which we individually approach life, it can hit us hard and fill us with self-doubt among other distressing emotions. Despite this, I wholeheartedly believe as a licensed professional that by working together collaboratively, we can find and incorporate ways to successfully navigate the demands of life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, an impactful trauma history, identity-related difficulties, or other concerns, I'm here for support!
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who exhibit emotional and physical difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, mild to moderate
suicidal
and self-harm ideation, disordered eating and body image difficulties, identity-related issues, trauma, serious mental illnesses, as well as situational distress among other issues.
Taylor Swift put it well when she said that life can be emotionally abusive. The stressors of life can often be overwhelming and depending on our upbringing and the ways in which we individually approach life, it can hit us hard and fill us with self-doubt among other distressing emotions. Despite this, I wholeheartedly believe as a licensed professional that by working together collaboratively, we can find and incorporate ways to successfully navigate the demands of life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, an impactful trauma history, identity-related difficulties, or other concerns, I'm here for support!

Licensed Professional Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS-MFT, MA, MS, NCC
Verified
Miami, FL 33139
Reaching out to a professional takes courage. When struggles and unexpected challenges arise, it can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression,
suicidal
thoughts, OCD, and many other psychological and emotional symptoms. Sometimes stress leads to compulsive behaviors, including over indulging in alcohol and substance misuse. We encourage self-exploration into the patterns that keep individuals stuck, and prevent them from moving forward. We help client's capitalize on their strengths to focus on reaching their highest potential.
Reaching out to a professional takes courage. When struggles and unexpected challenges arise, it can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression,
suicidal
thoughts, OCD, and many other psychological and emotional symptoms. Sometimes stress leads to compulsive behaviors, including over indulging in alcohol and substance misuse. We encourage self-exploration into the patterns that keep individuals stuck, and prevent them from moving forward. We help client's capitalize on their strengths to focus on reaching their highest potential.

Angelica M Gonzalez Lmhc
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Miami, FL 33144
My areas of expertise include: Eating Disorders, Stress/Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Mood Disorders, Trauma Rape/Sexual Abuse, PTSD, Self Injury, Acculturation, Life Transitions, Crisis Counseling, and Grief Counseling due to the
Suicide
of a loved one.
I am passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, adults and their family's hearts heal. I utilize traditional evidence-based therapy, as well as creative interventions, to facilitate the healing process for each individual that walks through my door. I'm well-versed in evidence based practices, and believe in the healing power of creative therapies including: psychodrama, play therapy and art therapy interventions. I am an EMDR certified therapist.
My areas of expertise include: Eating Disorders, Stress/Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Mood Disorders, Trauma Rape/Sexual Abuse, PTSD, Self Injury, Acculturation, Life Transitions, Crisis Counseling, and Grief Counseling due to the
Suicide
of a loved one.
I am passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, adults and their family's hearts heal. I utilize traditional evidence-based therapy, as well as creative interventions, to facilitate the healing process for each individual that walks through my door. I'm well-versed in evidence based practices, and believe in the healing power of creative therapies including: psychodrama, play therapy and art therapy interventions. I am an EMDR certified therapist.
15 Second Videos
Catherine Smith
Licensed Professional Counseling Services
Lance Christian Rao
Brittany Rivers
Brightside Health
Green Mountain DBT
Safiyah Davis - Rosario
Ailyn Payan
Michèle King, LMFT, LMHC, CP
Roberto Irizarry
Danielle Luz Matias
Brave Health
Julio Cesar Perez-Delgado
360 Therapy
Kingsley Grant
Elvive Psychological Services, PLLC.
Cody McCain
Dara Teller
Kayla Santos
Teresita Lambertt
Alexandra Rodriguez
Tess Zhao
Better Homes Counseling Services
Marina Nesterenko
Jessyca Hayward
Brian Lee Sharp
Cowick Mental Health Services, LLC
Ambrosia Treatment Center
Sara I Gibson
Katherine C. McDonald
Sarah Katherine Ravin
Deborah G Blum
Kenneth E Fowler
Mariana Carabantes
Alyea Delerme, LMHC
Counseling, Ltd.
Sandra Beggs
Mikela Hallmark
Mind Mechanic Rapid Resolution Therapy
Francesca Jenkins
Timothy D Vermillion
Allen Justin Thornton
Tommie Watkins Jr
Shariff Justin Blackwell
Laura Pozo
Reneisha Drayton
Courtnie Vargas-Rodriguez
Klifton Simon Fehr
Estepha Francisque
Mind Wellness Services, LLC

Lance Christian Rao
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified
Miami, FL 33125
My practice entails treating those with: depression; relationship issues; teen issues; ADHD; anxiety; addiction; bipolar disorder; video game addiction; PTSD; diminished self-esteem;
suicidal ideation
; family conflicts; break up counseling; anger management and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Now also providing TELETHERAPY. I caringly provide cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents, adults, seniors and couples. While addressing their psychological issues, I enlighten and encourage them to realize their full potential and to experience a life of accomplishment and contentment. My counseling extends to individuals, families and groups. Whenever needed, I refer clients to various professionals within other fields. My sliding scale based fees range from $60 to $90, payable in cash or check. You can also view my private website at lancerao.com. At my Stuart office, I offer night and weekend hours.
My practice entails treating those with: depression; relationship issues; teen issues; ADHD; anxiety; addiction; bipolar disorder; video game addiction; PTSD; diminished self-esteem;
suicidal ideation
; family conflicts; break up counseling; anger management and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Now also providing TELETHERAPY. I caringly provide cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents, adults, seniors and couples. While addressing their psychological issues, I enlighten and encourage them to realize their full potential and to experience a life of accomplishment and contentment. My counseling extends to individuals, families and groups. Whenever needed, I refer clients to various professionals within other fields. My sliding scale based fees range from $60 to $90, payable in cash or check. You can also view my private website at lancerao.com. At my Stuart office, I offer night and weekend hours.

Lisa Hulsizer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33184 (Online Only)
I address a wide range of issues with my clients, including depression, anxiety, school-related issues, self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, anger, life changes, self-esteem, family conflict.
My name is Lisa and I am a licensed clinical social worker here in sunny Florida. I have 6 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents, and have found that my absolute favorite population to work with are teenagers! The teenage years are filled with a lot of changes and growth, and I love supporting my clients through this challenging time.
I address a wide range of issues with my clients, including depression, anxiety, school-related issues, self-harm,
suicidal ideation
, anger, life changes, self-esteem, family conflict.
My name is Lisa and I am a licensed clinical social worker here in sunny Florida. I have 6 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents, and have found that my absolute favorite population to work with are teenagers! The teenage years are filled with a lot of changes and growth, and I love supporting my clients through this challenging time.

New Life Pastoral Care & Counseling Service, LLC
Pastoral Counselor, MA, MDiv, CNPC, PhD
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33109
We are professionally trained, in domestic and verbal abuse, childhood trauma, adult trauma, anger management,
suicide
prevention.
Welcome to New Life! We are passionate about your mental health needs and are offering telehealth counseling twenty-four hours, due to the challenging times we are living in currently. Counselors are able to pray with you and provide empathy, along with confidentiality. Please don't hesitate to contact us we have competent and experienced counselors to meet your needs. Whether it's grief, trauma, premarital counseling, marital challenges, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, anger management, or PTSD. We offer therapy sessions that include Spanish translators for our clients upon request please call today.
We are professionally trained, in domestic and verbal abuse, childhood trauma, adult trauma, anger management,
suicide
prevention.
Welcome to New Life! We are passionate about your mental health needs and are offering telehealth counseling twenty-four hours, due to the challenging times we are living in currently. Counselors are able to pray with you and provide empathy, along with confidentiality. Please don't hesitate to contact us we have competent and experienced counselors to meet your needs. Whether it's grief, trauma, premarital counseling, marital challenges, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, anger management, or PTSD. We offer therapy sessions that include Spanish translators for our clients upon request please call today.

Brittany Rivers
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified
Miami, FL 33101
I specialize in working with adults who are sensitive, intense, and neurocomplex struggling with self-criticism, substance use, eating disorders,
suicidal ideation
, etc.
Do you struggle with feeling like you’re “too much”? Do you find yourself really wanting to connect but feeling alone and leaning on things to help you feel better that aren't working anymore? But you’re ready to make a change and feel better about your life. Therapy should be a place where you feel validated and supported in your journey. Sessions with me are blend of a supportive space to process your feelings and experiences and solution focused strategies to give you tangible skills you can implement in your life. I also welcome the opportunity to engage your relationship with spirituality and nature in sessions.
I specialize in working with adults who are sensitive, intense, and neurocomplex struggling with self-criticism, substance use, eating disorders,
suicidal ideation
, etc.
Do you struggle with feeling like you’re “too much”? Do you find yourself really wanting to connect but feeling alone and leaning on things to help you feel better that aren't working anymore? But you’re ready to make a change and feel better about your life. Therapy should be a place where you feel validated and supported in your journey. Sessions with me are blend of a supportive space to process your feelings and experiences and solution focused strategies to give you tangible skills you can implement in your life. I also welcome the opportunity to engage your relationship with spirituality and nature in sessions.

Mohammad Ali Zafar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33101 (Online Only)
My clinical experience has come from working at a
suicide
prevention crisis center, psychiatric hospital, high school, addiction & forensic treatment center, children’s hospital, and in college counseling.
Perhaps you’ve tried a few therapists and weren't able to connect. Maybe you never saw yourself represented, or that therapy felt too manualized. You’ve pushed off therapy for a while now, not because you're too prideful to get the support you need, but because the help you are looking for hasn’t centered your beliefs, identity(ies) and understanding of well-being. You want support that centers all of who you are, and you are looking for authentic, experienced care that can help you gain clarity, confidence, and contentment.
My clinical experience has come from working at a
suicide
prevention crisis center, psychiatric hospital, high school, addiction & forensic treatment center, children’s hospital, and in college counseling.
Perhaps you’ve tried a few therapists and weren't able to connect. Maybe you never saw yourself represented, or that therapy felt too manualized. You’ve pushed off therapy for a while now, not because you're too prideful to get the support you need, but because the help you are looking for hasn’t centered your beliefs, identity(ies) and understanding of well-being. You want support that centers all of who you are, and you are looking for authentic, experienced care that can help you gain clarity, confidence, and contentment.

Jennifer Arevalo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33101 (Online Only)
My work with children, teens, adults, and families usually begins when someone has reached their breaking point. What’s worked in the past is no longer effective and there is a feeling of being stuck and/or hopelessness. Whether you are dealing with self harming behaviors,
suicidal ideation
, trauma, or difficulties regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors I can support you. Through my practice I help clients develop self-awareness and behavioral strategies that can be practiced and infused into daily life. Let's work together on taking your next step.
My work with children, teens, adults, and families usually begins when someone has reached their breaking point. What’s worked in the past is no longer effective and there is a feeling of being stuck and/or hopelessness. Whether you are dealing with self harming behaviors,
suicidal ideation
, trauma, or difficulties regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors I can support you. Through my practice I help clients develop self-awareness and behavioral strategies that can be practiced and infused into daily life. Let's work together on taking your next step.

Cheryl Walker
MS, LMHC
Verified
Miami, FL 33132 (Online Only)
My specialties include trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, self-harm, and
suicidal ideation
.
Life is challenging, especially now. I approach therapy with the intent of meeting the client where there are in their journey. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, isolated? I find most people have spent their lives feeling invalidated and misunderstood with no way to express themselves. Then the pandemic came along and altered almost every aspect of life.
My specialties include trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, self-harm, and
suicidal ideation
.
Life is challenging, especially now. I approach therapy with the intent of meeting the client where there are in their journey. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, isolated? I find most people have spent their lives feeling invalidated and misunderstood with no way to express themselves. Then the pandemic came along and altered almost every aspect of life.

Steven Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33135
Hello. My name is Steve Johnson, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have been working in the helping professions my entire adult life. I first became licensed over 25 years ago and have had the pleasure of helping many people over the years, both online and in my private practice. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families seeking counseling and served as a supervisor to newly licensed counselors and therapists. I am interested in working will clients of all ages, but working with young adults has been particularly rewarding.
Hello. My name is Steve Johnson, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have been working in the helping professions my entire adult life. I first became licensed over 25 years ago and have had the pleasure of helping many people over the years, both online and in my private practice. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families seeking counseling and served as a supervisor to newly licensed counselors and therapists. I am interested in working will clients of all ages, but working with young adults has been particularly rewarding.

Diana Franco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Miami, FL 33186 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome. My name is Diana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 8 years of professional experience in the behavioral health field with 5 years of professional experience providing clinical psychotherapeutic services to adults challenged by issues that have lead to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, transitional life events, guilt, shame, and/or remorse, issues with self-esteem and imposter syndrome, anger management, and issues with interpersonal relationships that have impacted overall mood and functioning.
Hello and welcome. My name is Diana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 8 years of professional experience in the behavioral health field with 5 years of professional experience providing clinical psychotherapeutic services to adults challenged by issues that have lead to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, transitional life events, guilt, shame, and/or remorse, issues with self-esteem and imposter syndrome, anger management, and issues with interpersonal relationships that have impacted overall mood and functioning.
See more therapy options for Miami
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.