Suicidal Ideation
Having thoughts about, or an unusual preoccupation with, suicide is defined as suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation can vary from fleeting thoughts of suicide to detailed planning and unsuccessful attempts. Suicidal ideation often goes hand in hand with depression, although a person may also begin to have thoughts of suicide when they have trouble managing an overwhelming situation, like the loss of a loved one or a job, a break-up, feelings of remorse or rejection, or sexual abuse. While many people who experience suicidal ideation never make a suicide attempt, enough do that it is considered a dangerous condition. Treatment with a mental health professional is one of the best ways to prevent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away (call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255).
Local experts in Suicidal Ideation
Humanistic Therapy NW LLC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW, LICSW, ACSW, CSWA
We offer compassionate, skilled support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. Our team is trained in crisis intervention, safety planning, and trauma-informed care. We work collaboratively to reduce distress, build coping strategies, and restore a sense of hope and stability. We also provide same-day sessions when needed to ensure timely support.
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Amy Williams (she/her)
Clinical Social Work Associate
CSWA, LSWAIC
I treat suicidal ideation and self-harm with compassion and evidence-based approaches like DBT, safety planning, and crisis stabilization. I help clients build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and alternative coping strategies while addressing the underlying pain, not just the behavior. I offer a nonjudgmental space where we can talk openly about thoughts of harm and work toward safety, connection, and hope.
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Monica Marquard (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
MA, LPC
I have several years worth of experience working with clients with passive and active suicidal ideations. I am very comfortable working with clients to safety plan and also to normalize suicidal ideations. I help clients address the shame associated with suicidal ideations. I believe that it is a powerful step when clients can name the thoughts that they are having and can furthermore share this with someone in your life.
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Danica Williams (she/they)
Clinical Social Work Associate
MSW, QMHP-R, CSWA
I have experience conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessments and safety planning using evidence-based protocols such as Youth SAVE and CALM. I provided compassionate, collaborative care to clients experiencing suicidal thoughts, ensuring ongoing monitoring and connection to crisis resources. My training supports trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches that prioritize client safety and empowerment.
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Stacey Vallas (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
MS in Mental Health Counseling; PhD in English and American Literature
Thoughts of suicide are common and are usually signposts to a person's unmet needs for connection and meaning. Often these thoughts and feelings come from past hurt or trauma. As a crisis line volunteer and a therapist, l have extensive trauma-informed training and experience in suicide intervention and helping people better understand and heal the suffering at the core of suicidal thoughts.
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Alli Santa (she/her/hers)
Licensed Professional Counselor
M.A, LPC, LMHP, NCC
I have had family and friends who have experienced suicidal ideation and self harm. This has inspired me to help others. I have worked with several adults and teenagers who have experienced suicidal ideation and have found CBT and DBT to be effective types of treatment.
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Sarah Kimes (She/Her)
Professional Counselor Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Qualified Mental Health Professional registrant
I have worked with people experiencing suicidal thoughts for over 10 years, offering a safe space to process these feelings and work towards decreasing-and eventually eliminating- suicidal thoughts.
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Laura La Rosa (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
MA, MSW, LCSW
I know that your thoughts of self harm are temporary. Your thoughts are not all of who you are, in fact they are one small part. Let’s work together to understand the pain that creates these thoughts and then lets create a new understanding about yourself that includes a positve narrative that supports who you really are. We are never our thoughts. Ever!
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Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC (She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC
Working with suicide since 2014, I am confident and skilled in approaching and supporting suicidal idealization for adolescents and adults. I support the zero suicided initiative for increasing discussion of SI to increase safety. I have extensive experience with high risk clients and supporting them into skill building, tolerating stress, and choosing thoughts of life rather than thoughts of death. I approach suicidal idealization and self-harm with a balance of empathy, concern, and hope.
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Lisa Winestock (She/They)
Clinical Social Work Associate
MSW, CSWA
I have over three years of experience in crisis mental health. I also completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
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