Comprehensive Treatment for Suicidal Ideation in Fort Worth, TX
Treating suicidal ideation is complex and depends on the specific situation and risk level of your teen. We use a blend of approaches at Clearfork to treat the underlying thoughts that drive the behavior, regulate emotions, and find functional alternatives to self-harm.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective treatments for reducing self-harm and suicidal ideation. It focuses on distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and strengthening relationships.
- Medication can treat underlying mental health disorders that cause symptoms of suicidal ideation such as depression or anxiety. Your teen may be prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or antipsychotics, depending on the condition they have.
- Family support and education can act as a support and play a key role in teen suicide prevention. Involving family in the treatment process can improve treatment outcomes and your youth’s long-term recovery.
What Is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation is when a teen thinks about killing themselves. It can be active or passive:
- Passive suicidal ideation – they wish they were dead or could die, but do not make a plan to do so
- Active suicidal ideation – they intend to kill themselves and make a plan to do so
Suicidal ideations can be a symptom of mental health disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder but can also occur in teens facing academic stress, bullying, trauma, or other life stressors. Recognizing signs of teen suicidal ideation can help you to understand if a loved one needs treatment. They may try to hide some of their symptoms because they are ashamed or do not want their loved ones to worry about them. Ten warning signs that a teen needs suicidal ideation treatment are:
- Isolating themselves from loved ones
- Talking about death and suicide
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Increased mood swings, irritability, and anger
- Increased substance abuse
- Risk-taking behaviors such as driving under the influence, getting into legal trouble, and unsafe sex
- Suddenly seeming calm or happy after being depressed
- Getting the means to kill themselves
- Giving away possessions
- Visiting loved ones and saying goodbye
In extreme cases, a teen may act on ideation and make a suicide attempt or be in immediate danger of doing so. If this happens, it is important not to leave them alone. Call 911 immediately to get urgent medical assistance.
Inpatient and Outpatient Suicidal Ideation Treatment for Teens
Residential Care and PHP
Inpatient treatment with us can give teens the chance to recover and learn coping skills to manage the effects of suicidal ideation in a safe, healing environment where they can focus on improving their physical health and overcoming the challenges they face with their mental health. If your teen requires intensive, daily care but does not require 24/7 supervision, they can participate in our PHP, which provides 20 hours of treatment per week as clinically appropriate.
IOP and Outpatient
We also offer tailored outpatient programs to help combat milder forms of passive suicidal ideation and underlying mental health disorders such as depression through therapeutic techniques, pharmacological treatment, or a combination of the two. This ensures that teens who may not be ready for residential care or who require flexibility with school and extracurricular activities have access to the right treatment while continuing their daily lives.
What Causes Suicidal Ideation in Teenagers?
We don’t just help teens manage symptoms of suicidal ideation, we address the roots of what is causing destructive thought cycles. We also address risk factors that can increase the risk of suicide in teens.
The teen years are a particularly challenging stage of life when you are getting to know yourself and trying to assert your independence, and at Clearfork we understand this. Some potential causes of suicidal ideation in teenagers include:
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Financial problems and unemployment
- Grief such as due to the death of a loved one
- Rejection
- A breakup
- Substance abuse
- Physical health issues
- Mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety
- Antidepressants can have side effects, including suicidal thoughts. Speak with your teens’ doctor if this happens
- Suicide attempts in the past
- Family history of suicide
- Being part of the LGBTQ+ Community
- Access to firearms in the home
Youth Suicide Treatment in Texas
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth fifteen to twenty-four. Shockingly, nearly twenty percent of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide. This shows how important it is to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and intervene early with support. At Clearfork Academy, we are dedicated to providing life-saving treatment interventions to reduce the youth suicide rate with comprehensive treatments such as:
- Evidence-based mental health therapies
- Trauma-informed care
- Medication Management
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Integrated wellness activities
- Physical fitness and outdoor recreation
- Faith-based track (optional)
How Can I Prevent Teen Suicide?
The most important thing is to check in with your teen and make sure they know that you are there for them. Also, stay aware of the signs that your teen is experiencing a mental health crisis. The better your trust and communication are, the more likely you are to notice signs of suicidal ideation. Do not be scared to speak with them about difficult topics, such as depression and wanting to commit suicide. You may worry that this will give them ideas, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s highly effective for teens to speak with someone about their struggles if they are feeling suicidal.
FAQ About Teen Suicidal Ideation Treatment
How to Motivate a Teenager With Suicidal Thoughts to Start Treatment?
If you have an open and honest relationship with the teenager, it will be easier to motivate them to get help. Make sure you are aware of suicidal ideation treatment options so that you can share them with your teen.
What Makes Teens Vulnerable to Suicide?
The teen years are challenging, particularly if they struggle with additional factors. For example, teens who are bullied or have mental health problems are more likely to have suicidal ideations or attempt suicide.
Teen Suicidal Ideation Treatment in Fort Worth, Texas
Clearfork Academy is a Christ-centered treatment facility that focuses on treating teenagers who are struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our suicidal ideation treatment focuses on healing your body, mind, and spirit so that you have the best chance of a happy and healthy future.
