Photo of Rebecca (Rowan) Levy, Licensed Professional Counselor in 19110, PA
Rebecca (Rowan) Levy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, PC01569
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19110  (Online Only)
You want something different, but it’s hard to motivate and place what that really is. You are sensitive, creative, queer, thoughtful, and full of so many thoughts. You likely have a habit of overextending yourself in the hopes of finding where you feel you belong. You see patterns in your relationships that you want to examine and change, and some part of you knows that you deserve a more satisfying life. Therapy is a non-judgmental space in which you can overcome familiar patterns by being witnessed and heard, and acquire tools to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
You want something different, but it’s hard to motivate and place what that really is. You are sensitive, creative, queer, thoughtful, and full of so many thoughts. You likely have a habit of overextending yourself in the hopes of finding where you feel you belong. You see patterns in your relationships that you want to examine and change, and some part of you knows that you deserve a more satisfying life. Therapy is a non-judgmental space in which you can overcome familiar patterns by being witnessed and heard, and acquire tools to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
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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.