Suicidal Ideation

“Suicidal ideations,” often called “suicidal thoughts,” is a broad term used to describe a range of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide. Suicidal ideation is one of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and some other mental health illnesses. But it may occur in people with no mental illness at all. If you or a loved one has suicidal ideation with a mild to moderate risk level, you should get help at an outpatient mental health facility, like Overland Mental Health. If you have active suicidal thoughts or plans, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

When a patient arrives at Overland with suicidality issues, patients are immersed in our safe treatment settings, where they are closely watched and evaluated repeatedly for their level of suicidality. At Overland, we treat suicidal ideations in several manners based on a personal approach to each patient. We offer IOP and PHP programs and different psychotherapeutic modalities to treat suicidal ideations effectively.

Suicidal Ideation Assessment

Patients at Overland are asked to contract for safety (suicidal assessment). During an evaluation, patients are asked to rate the intensity of their urges, whether they have a plan, whether they have the means to carry out their plan, and whether they intend to make an attempt. Patients are also asked about previous suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Following the assessment, the patients are asked to sign our written contract for safety, which is a verbal agreement to remain safe. This contract explains our rules around suicidality and what will happen if a client makes a suicide attempt (for example, transfer to a higher inpatient level care facility).

Individual Therapy

Individual sessions can be used to help explore the reasons that may have led to the development of your suicidal thoughts. At our clinic, you and your therapist can work through the causes of your emotional pain and help you learn healthier ways of dealing with stress, triggers for relapse, and ways to handle suicidal urges.

Group therapy

Different groups are held in the morning, afternoon,s and evenings every day and cover a wide range of topics. Through group sessions, patients connect with others while learning better communication skills. Group therapy sessions at Overland are facilitated by licensed and registered mental health professionals and addiction counselors.

Family therapy

Family therapy can help loved ones understand what you or your loved one is going through and allow family members to be a part of the healing process.

Medication Management

Our team evaluates patients to address the need for medication. Depending upon your circumstances, your treatment plan may include medication to ease the symptoms. Drugs such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers can help reduce presenting symptoms, leading to a reduction in suicidal urges. All medication use at Overland is closely monitored and altered as necessary.

Psychotherapeutic Modalities

Patients at Overland are exposed to a wide array of psychotherapeutic modalities, which gives them a toolset to deal with strong feelings and mood changes. We have specific groups to address suicidality, including Seeking Safety and Process Groups. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, may also be used to reduce feelings of hopelessness and suicide attempts. Dialectical behavioral therapy can be used to manage overwhelming feelings that can lead to suicidal