Suicide is a serious public health problem in the United States. [[CDC FIGURE PENDING — see open items]] You can go to rehab for suicidal thoughts, and with the right support many people work through those thoughts and go on to live full, healthy lives.
When Suicidal Thoughts Mean It’s Time to Get Help
If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone you trust. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts and are in danger of acting on them, call or text 988, or contact emergency services for immediate support.
If you’re not in immediate danger, contacting a rehab for suicidal thoughts, or talking with your mental health provider or primary care doctor, can help you get the care you need for the longer term.
Suicidal thoughts frequently occur alongside another condition. They’re common in people living with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and they also occur in people with alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder. Treating the underlying condition is what changes the pattern over time.
What Rehab for Suicidal Thoughts Involves
Before treatment begins, an admissions team evaluates the patient. This evaluation aims to identify any underlying medical conditions or co-occurring disorders that could raise the risk of suicide, and to determine the right level of care.
Levels of Care
At FHE Health, we offer both residential and outpatient treatment. Our care team encourages people experiencing severe suicidal thoughts to consider residential care so they can receive round-the-clock support.
Not everyone requires residential care. Some people prefer an outpatient program because it allows them to return home to their families or keep up with work obligations. We offer several tiers of outpatient care, ranging from intensive programs that combine flexibility with a high level of support to lighter-touch care, depending on what the patient needs.
Therapy and Treatment Approaches
Treatment for suicidal ideation typically starts with talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapists deliver these services in a safe, confidential setting so it’s easier for patients to speak freely.
Approaches used during and after treatment may include:
Group therapy and peer support can be particularly valuable. These groups help people see that they aren’t alone, which matters because isolation is one of the most common experiences reported by people having thoughts of suicide. They also build a support network that stays available after discharge.
In some cases, treatment includes medication. Clinicians consider care plans case by case. As treatment progresses, the care team may add practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to help patients build coping skills and confidence before they leave.
Addressing Co-Occurring Substance Use or Mental Health Conditions
Co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions can intensify suicidal thoughts. Drug or alcohol use lowers inhibitions and can worsen anxiety or depressed mood, both of which raise risk.
As part of rehab for suicidal thoughts, the care team assesses whether the patient has been using drugs or alcohol heavily and works with them to stop safely. Where substance use is involved, that often begins with a supervised detox.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
Recovery from mental health challenges isn’t always linear. The care team assesses what you’re dealing with and works to put you on a path toward better mental health, addressing the underlying cause rather than only the immediate crisis.
The early stages of therapy stabilize the crisis. After that, you’ll learn coping strategies for navigating future episodes and challenges. You’ll also have the chance to stay in contact with your care team after discharge. Many patients continue with therapy or peer support groups, which serve as a safety net if suicidal thoughts return.
Need Help?
Treatment can begin quickly and discreetly, get started now
Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Help
Seeking help for suicidal thoughts can feel daunting. In some cultures there’s stigma attached to psychiatric care or to talking about feelings at all. The therapists and counselors at FHE Health understand this and tailor treatment to the individual, so patients can engage with therapy at their own pace.
Finances are another significant barrier. Our admissions team will work with you on insurance coverage and payment options, and we do our best to find a workable path for people across a range of financial situations.
If missing work is the concern, our intensive outpatient program provides the freedom to keep working or caring for family members while still receiving substantial support from our team.
How FHE Health Can Help
FHE Health provides rehab for suicidal thoughts. Our care team supports people with a range of mental health conditions, including co-occurring disorders, substance use disorder, and suicidal ideation.
We provide residential and outpatient treatment options tailored to the individual. Treatment includes medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, individual and group therapy, and holistic options. By addressing the underlying condition, we help people experiencing suicidal thoughts build coping skills they can use in day-to-day life.
Need Help?
Treatment can begin quickly and discreetly, get started now
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding Help Now
Help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering phone, text, and online chat support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or any other mental health crisis.
FHE Health also offers rehab for suicidal thoughts. If you’re dealing with a mental health condition, or you’re caring for someone in crisis, contact FHE Health today for confidential guidance from our admissions team. If you’d like to read more about coping in the meantime, our articles on therapies for suicidal thoughts and managing suicidal impulses may help.
