Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Chicago, IL

We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.

I help individuals and couples break free from chronic distress, suicidal ideation, destructive patterns, and disconnection
Hi, I'm Karem Muksed, a therapist supporting individuals who feel stuck in a cycle of emotional overwhelm or chronic distress, as well as couples navigating high-conflict relationships. A lot of our deep suffering comes from the way we relate to our thoughts and emotions. The way we relate to our experiences impacts whether we are living a meaningful life or moving in the wrong direction. I work with many clients who feel that no matter what they do, they are not enough. This is a message that often develops early on and is reinforced by our environment.
I help individuals and couples break free from chronic distress, suicidal ideation, destructive patterns, and disconnection
Hi, I'm Karem Muksed, a therapist supporting individuals who feel stuck in a cycle of emotional overwhelm or chronic distress, as well as couples navigating high-conflict relationships. A lot of our deep suffering comes from the way we relate to our thoughts and emotions. The way we relate to our experiences impacts whether we are living a meaningful life or moving in the wrong direction. I work with many clients who feel that no matter what they do, they are not enough. This is a message that often develops early on and is reinforced by our environment.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families, on a variety of topics and issues, such as consensual/ethical non-monogamous relationships, persons struggling with sexual/sexuality and gender issues, personality disorders, suicidal ideation and addictions.
My work is heavily influenced from a psychodynamic perspective, as well as systems, and solution-focused. In our work together, we will investigate patterns from your childhood and the role they play now, and make sense of your relationships. Together we will explore how you see and experience the world around you.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families, on a variety of topics and issues, such as consensual/ethical non-monogamous relationships, persons struggling with sexual/sexuality and gender issues, personality disorders, suicidal ideation and addictions.
My work is heavily influenced from a psychodynamic perspective, as well as systems, and solution-focused. In our work together, we will investigate patterns from your childhood and the role they play now, and make sense of your relationships. Together we will explore how you see and experience the world around you.

I have many years of experience treating adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, suicidal ideations, self harm, and troubles with adjustments & life transitions.
It is inevitable that life is challenging and often times, we feel stuck and need reminders that we are not alone. As a psychotherapist, I understand that each client has a unique story of their own and that each client deserves tailored and individualized care. We will start by establishing what goals you would like to achieve in therapy and will then create a treatment plan collaboratively. I tend to pull from your strengths and values, and will work with you to unpack unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors and will explore alternative coping skills that will be more sustainable for you in the long run.
I have many years of experience treating adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, suicidal ideations, self harm, and troubles with adjustments & life transitions.
It is inevitable that life is challenging and often times, we feel stuck and need reminders that we are not alone. As a psychotherapist, I understand that each client has a unique story of their own and that each client deserves tailored and individualized care. We will start by establishing what goals you would like to achieve in therapy and will then create a treatment plan collaboratively. I tend to pull from your strengths and values, and will work with you to unpack unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors and will explore alternative coping skills that will be more sustainable for you in the long run.

Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or at-risk behaviors, I believe healing is possible, and you don't have to face it alone.
With 12 years of experience in community mental health, residential, and crisis services, I understand the complexities of mental health struggles. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a crucial part of the healing process, and I deeply care for each of my clients. My goal is to create a supportive and compassionate environment.
Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or at-risk behaviors, I believe healing is possible, and you don't have to face it alone.
With 12 years of experience in community mental health, residential, and crisis services, I understand the complexities of mental health struggles. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a crucial part of the healing process, and I deeply care for each of my clients. My goal is to create a supportive and compassionate environment.

My areas of specialties include depression, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.
We all experience change; some alter our lives and functioning significantly. Making healthy adjustments can require skills which you have limited or no experience utilizing. Simply recognizing that you are having some difficulty, can be elusive, but is an essential first step. You may need support and further encouragement to take additional steps towards your healing. As your counselor, I can offer a collaborative and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings about the circumstances which are presenting in your life and support you as you move through your journey.
My areas of specialties include depression, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.
We all experience change; some alter our lives and functioning significantly. Making healthy adjustments can require skills which you have limited or no experience utilizing. Simply recognizing that you are having some difficulty, can be elusive, but is an essential first step. You may need support and further encouragement to take additional steps towards your healing. As your counselor, I can offer a collaborative and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings about the circumstances which are presenting in your life and support you as you move through your journey.

After graduation, I became employed as a crisis and suicide prevention worker at DuPage County Health Department.
My treatment approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and strength-based. Using neuroeducation, I teach clients the neurophysiological response to trauma and stress to help clients gain insight and awareness of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
After graduation, I became employed as a crisis and suicide prevention worker at DuPage County Health Department.
My treatment approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and strength-based. Using neuroeducation, I teach clients the neurophysiological response to trauma and stress to help clients gain insight and awareness of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Her expertise includes adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner/domestic violence, adult children of alcoholics, generational trauma, and chronic suicide and self-harm behaviors.
Fully bilingual in Spanish, Dr. Rodríguez provides culturally responsive care for racial, religious, and gender minorities, first responders, and professionals with vicarious trauma. She also has advanced training in bilingual family therapy and extensive experience with gender expression, DACA, and single/divorced parents. Dr. Rodríguez serves adults 18+.
Her expertise includes adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner/domestic violence, adult children of alcoholics, generational trauma, and chronic suicide and self-harm behaviors.
Fully bilingual in Spanish, Dr. Rodríguez provides culturally responsive care for racial, religious, and gender minorities, first responders, and professionals with vicarious trauma. She also has advanced training in bilingual family therapy and extensive experience with gender expression, DACA, and single/divorced parents. Dr. Rodríguez serves adults 18+.

These include parts that lash out at others, use substances, self-harm, and have suicidal thoughts.
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent, or have experienced relational or religious trauma, you may feel like an outsider in the world around you. You might have been made to feel less than because you don’t fit within what you were told is “normal.” You were told you had to hide parts of yourself to be accepted and loved, and now you find it hard to let those parts out without feeling shame even if it’s safer to do so. You may believe that you have been damaged or broken by your trauma or that parts of your are bad or even sinful. You might even feel like you don't know who you are.
These include parts that lash out at others, use substances, self-harm, and have suicidal thoughts.
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent, or have experienced relational or religious trauma, you may feel like an outsider in the world around you. You might have been made to feel less than because you don’t fit within what you were told is “normal.” You were told you had to hide parts of yourself to be accepted and loved, and now you find it hard to let those parts out without feeling shame even if it’s safer to do so. You may believe that you have been damaged or broken by your trauma or that parts of your are bad or even sinful. You might even feel like you don't know who you are.

I work with Teens (14+), Adults, Couples, and Families who experience Anxiety, Depression, Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Trauma, Eating Disorders & Body Image, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Grief & Loss, Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideations, and more.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step. It takes strength, vulnerability, and a willingness to face parts of us that can feel overwhelming or even painful, especially when sharing them with someone new. I recognize how hard it can be to open, to build trust with a therapist, and to navigate the emotional weight that can come with asking for support. In many cultures, therapy is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, which can create barriers to access and acceptance. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and inclusive space where you feel safe, seen, and heard.
I work with Teens (14+), Adults, Couples, and Families who experience Anxiety, Depression, Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Trauma, Eating Disorders & Body Image, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Grief & Loss, Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideations, and more.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step. It takes strength, vulnerability, and a willingness to face parts of us that can feel overwhelming or even painful, especially when sharing them with someone new. I recognize how hard it can be to open, to build trust with a therapist, and to navigate the emotional weight that can come with asking for support. In many cultures, therapy is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, which can create barriers to access and acceptance. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and inclusive space where you feel safe, seen, and heard.

I have provided direct services to students facing a range of challenges, including trauma, various forms of abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and self-esteem issues.
My personal journey as an international adoptee in a transracial family profoundly shapes my collaborative approach and passion for intersectional identity work. I understand the complexities of self-expression and identity, which drives my dedication to providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC individuals, adoptees, and other marginalized groups, drawing on my previous work with these communities. I am committed to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in these populations and am particularly passionate about supporting both domestic and international adoptees.
I have provided direct services to students facing a range of challenges, including trauma, various forms of abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and self-esteem issues.
My personal journey as an international adoptee in a transracial family profoundly shapes my collaborative approach and passion for intersectional identity work. I understand the complexities of self-expression and identity, which drives my dedication to providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC individuals, adoptees, and other marginalized groups, drawing on my previous work with these communities. I am committed to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in these populations and am particularly passionate about supporting both domestic and international adoptees.

Tara Ouillette
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
Other areas of interest and experience include grief and loss, gender and sexuality exploration, and skill acquisition for emotional regulation, including support with suicidal ideation and self harm.
I believe that long- lasting, meaningful growth thrives in self-compassion, honoring shame, and creating purpose. Inherited and experienced trauma can remain in the body and inform our choices, so one of my goals is to offer a guiding hand in disentangling negative core beliefs from the body and sense of self. My therapeutic practice is filtered through a strengths-based and feminist lens, and as a queer therapist, I aim to foster an LGBTQIA+ affirming space, challenge racist systems, encourage body empowerment at every size, and promote sex-positivity.
Other areas of interest and experience include grief and loss, gender and sexuality exploration, and skill acquisition for emotional regulation, including support with suicidal ideation and self harm.
I believe that long- lasting, meaningful growth thrives in self-compassion, honoring shame, and creating purpose. Inherited and experienced trauma can remain in the body and inform our choices, so one of my goals is to offer a guiding hand in disentangling negative core beliefs from the body and sense of self. My therapeutic practice is filtered through a strengths-based and feminist lens, and as a queer therapist, I aim to foster an LGBTQIA+ affirming space, challenge racist systems, encourage body empowerment at every size, and promote sex-positivity.

I specialize in individual therapy, supporting adults and teenagers (14+) in the following areas: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Life transitions, Trauma, Complex PTSD, First Responders, Grief & Loss, BIPOC Mental Health, Racial/Cultural Identity, Relationship Issues.
Therapy requires a great deal of vulnerability, so I understand the trepidation that comes with it. Because of this, I utilize a Person-Centered approach to meet clients where they’re at in their process. My approach is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients and to work collaboratively with them in addressing their concerns. I practice with a multicultural lens and seek to understand how a client’s culture and identity impacts them, and how our differing identities show up in the therapy room. Therapy can be scary and painful, but it can also be beautiful and transformative with time.
I specialize in individual therapy, supporting adults and teenagers (14+) in the following areas: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Life transitions, Trauma, Complex PTSD, First Responders, Grief & Loss, BIPOC Mental Health, Racial/Cultural Identity, Relationship Issues.
Therapy requires a great deal of vulnerability, so I understand the trepidation that comes with it. Because of this, I utilize a Person-Centered approach to meet clients where they’re at in their process. My approach is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients and to work collaboratively with them in addressing their concerns. I practice with a multicultural lens and seek to understand how a client’s culture and identity impacts them, and how our differing identities show up in the therapy room. Therapy can be scary and painful, but it can also be beautiful and transformative with time.

I started as the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for more than 13,000 Soldiers in 26 states and Puerto Rico.
I help protect the mental health of those who can't share their problems, so they can continue doing what they do without burning out, breaking down, or being depleted by the time they get home.
I actually care and I won’t ask you to “suck it up.” Life can be tricky. It can be hard. And, relationships can be crazy. When you’re ready for therapy, I’m here.
I started as the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for more than 13,000 Soldiers in 26 states and Puerto Rico.
I help protect the mental health of those who can't share their problems, so they can continue doing what they do without burning out, breaking down, or being depleted by the time they get home.
I actually care and I won’t ask you to “suck it up.” Life can be tricky. It can be hard. And, relationships can be crazy. When you’re ready for therapy, I’m here.

I specialize in working with LGBTQIA2S+ and Neurodivergent clients facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive and intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, executive functioning issues, substance use, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and who are ready to examine what could be better in their lives and relationships. You and I will collaborate to understand your current pain in terms of your past struggles and the protective coping strategies you've utilized to make it this far. We will build compassion for parts of you that may be critical, fearful, ashamed or hopeless, and we will study the relationships you have with these parts, with other people, and with the world while building skills to regulate your nervous system, inhabit your body more fully, and experience joy, connection and pleasure.
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA2S+ and Neurodivergent clients facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive and intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, executive functioning issues, substance use, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and who are ready to examine what could be better in their lives and relationships. You and I will collaborate to understand your current pain in terms of your past struggles and the protective coping strategies you've utilized to make it this far. We will build compassion for parts of you that may be critical, fearful, ashamed or hopeless, and we will study the relationships you have with these parts, with other people, and with the world while building skills to regulate your nervous system, inhabit your body more fully, and experience joy, connection and pleasure.

Extensive experience with others struggling with negative self-talk, anxiety, suicidal ideation, trauma, grief, anger, and/or family conflict.
Growing up, even with friends and friend relationships I always listened, was supportive, and offered encouraging advice when someone was struggling. I feel my work is very purposeful. I am of Christian faith, and I believe that God intentionally chose this path for me.
Extensive experience with others struggling with negative self-talk, anxiety, suicidal ideation, trauma, grief, anger, and/or family conflict.
Growing up, even with friends and friend relationships I always listened, was supportive, and offered encouraging advice when someone was struggling. I feel my work is very purposeful. I am of Christian faith, and I believe that God intentionally chose this path for me.

I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, and management of high-risk, self-harming, suicidal, and impulsive behaviors.
My approach focuses on creating a supportive and empathetic environment for my clients. I provide full-fidelity comprehensive DBT as well as supportive DBT-informed psychotherapy.
I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, and management of high-risk, self-harming, suicidal, and impulsive behaviors.
My approach focuses on creating a supportive and empathetic environment for my clients. I provide full-fidelity comprehensive DBT as well as supportive DBT-informed psychotherapy.

Suicidal ideations?
I'm a queer neurodivergent therapist who specializes in working with ND young adults in the Queer community. I work collaboratively with clients struggling to manage identity integration & intersectionality, trauma, self-harm, social and relationship issues.
Suicidal ideations?
I'm a queer neurodivergent therapist who specializes in working with ND young adults in the Queer community. I work collaboratively with clients struggling to manage identity integration & intersectionality, trauma, self-harm, social and relationship issues.

I specialize in DBT and work with teens and adults struggling with emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and daily stress.
I am Samantha, and I am glad you're here.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re carrying a lot, whether it’s intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, relationship struggles, or a deep sense of being stuck in old patterns. I provide a warm, direct, and supportive space where you can feel safe to show up exactly as you are. My approach is rooted in compassion, honesty, and collaboration. I meet you where you are and work alongside you to help you move toward where you want to be, building skills and insights that create meaningful, lasting change. Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to support you.
I specialize in DBT and work with teens and adults struggling with emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and daily stress.
I am Samantha, and I am glad you're here.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re carrying a lot, whether it’s intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, relationship struggles, or a deep sense of being stuck in old patterns. I provide a warm, direct, and supportive space where you can feel safe to show up exactly as you are. My approach is rooted in compassion, honesty, and collaboration. I meet you where you are and work alongside you to help you move toward where you want to be, building skills and insights that create meaningful, lasting change. Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to support you.

I have experience providing support to individuals to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, work through life transitions or relationship issues, process abuse and neglect, and support individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and self-harming.
I take an empathetic and client centered approach to therapy, recognizing that it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to take the steps towards making positive changes in your life. I believe that all individuals have the tools to be successful in life and empower clients to use their strengths to make change. I value the therapeutic relationship and take a collaborative approach to working with clients.
I have experience providing support to individuals to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, work through life transitions or relationship issues, process abuse and neglect, and support individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and self-harming.
I take an empathetic and client centered approach to therapy, recognizing that it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to take the steps towards making positive changes in your life. I believe that all individuals have the tools to be successful in life and empower clients to use their strengths to make change. I value the therapeutic relationship and take a collaborative approach to working with clients.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Suicidal Ideation Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.