Self-harm treatment for kids, teens, and adults

Self-harm, or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), is deliberate injury to the body without the intent to die. A suicide attempt involves intent to end one's life. The two are distinct but not unrelated — self-harm is a significant clinical risk factor for future suicidal behavior, which is why prompt assessment and treatment matter. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.

Self-harm is typically a coping mechanism for emotional pain that feels overwhelming and otherwise unmanageable. Common underlying factors include depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties. It is not attention-seeking behavior — most people who self-harm go to significant lengths to hide it.

Much like addiction, self-harm can become self-reinforcing over time. The relief it provides is short-lived, and the brain's response to that relief can drive escalation — with more frequent episodes or more severe methods needed to achieve the same effect. What may start as occasional self-harm can become more frequent and more severe over time, which is one of the most important reasons to seek care early.

Yes. Onset most commonly occurs between ages 12 and 14, and rates are substantially higher among adolescents and young adults than in the general adult population. That said, self-harm occurs across all age groups and should be taken seriously regardless of when it begins.

Yes. With the right clinical care, most people can develop healthier coping strategies and significantly reduce or stop self-harming. At Charlie Health, treatment addresses both the behavior and the underlying emotional and psychological conditions driving it — because lasting recovery depends on treating the full picture.

Any instance of self-harm warrants clinical attention. A clinician can assess what is driving the behavior, evaluate risk, and recommend the right level of care. Waiting for self-harm to get worse before seeking help is not necessary — earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. Charlie Health's Admissions Team is available 24/7.

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for treating self-harm.

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for individuals with chronic suicidality and self-harm and remains the most extensively researched treatment — its skills modules in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness directly target the emotional dysregulation that drives most self-harm.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify the thought patterns and emotional triggers that precede self-harm and build healthier ways of responding.
• Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) addresses the shame and self-criticism that often maintain self-harm, helping people develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Charlie Health's Clinical Team works with each client to determine the right combination of treatment options for their specific needs.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.