Suicidal ideation treatment for kids, teens, and adults

“Suicidal ideation” is the clinical term, and “suicidal thoughts” is the everyday phrase for the same experience.

Suicidal ideation is most often linked to depression, trauma, chronic stress, isolation, substance use, or major loss, usually in combination rather than from a single cause. A sudden increase in suicidal thoughts is worth treating as urgent even without a clear trigger.

Suicidal thoughts are more common than most people realize, and having them doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. That said, they’re never something to ignore. If you’re having these thoughts, telling a professional or someone you trust is a good first step.

Any thought of suicide is worth telling a professional or a trusted person about. Seek help immediately if there’s a specific plan, a timeline, access to a means of suicide, or a recent attempt — these signal a need for a higher level of care, potentially including inpatient treatment, before outpatient care is appropriate.

Yes. Treatment for any underlying condition driving the thoughts, a safety plan that includes reducing access to lethal means, and staying connected to other people all help suicidal thoughts fade in intensity and frequency over time. Feeling connected to others is one of the strongest known protective factors against suicide. Recovery means building resilience, so that if painful thoughts do pop up, you have the tools, support system, and perspective needed to navigate through them safely. It isn’t always a straight line, but feeling better and regaining a full, meaningful life is the expected outcome with the right support.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has strong evidence for reducing suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly through skills like distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and change the thought patterns feeding into suicidal ideation. A personalized safety plan is a core part of treatment regardless of modality. Charlie Health’s Clinical Team works with each client to determine the right combination of treatment options for their specific needs.

It can feel overwhelming to realize someone you care about is thinking about suicide, but the National Institute of Mental Health outlines five steps anyone can take. First, ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows this doesn’t increase risk; it opens the door to an honest conversation. Be there and listen without judgment, since acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts rather than increase them. Help keep them safe by asking if they have a plan and reducing access to lethal means. Then, help connect them with resources — the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a therapist, or a program like Charlie Health. And try to check in again; staying in touch afterward has been shown to make a difference.

If someone is in immediate danger, call or text 988 together or call 911.

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.