Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation causes deep distress and increases risk, requiring urgent, compassionate treatment for safety and healing.
In a crisis?
If you are in the US and in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for the Suicide + Crisis Lifeline.
Outside the US? Call your local emergency services number immediately.
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of ending one’s life, which can range from fleeting considerations to persistent and overwhelming urges. For many, reaching out for help feels difficult because of fear, shame, or the belief that others will not understand. Yet any form of suicidal ideation is a serious mental health concern that requires urgent, compassionate care.
Clearview Treatment Programs in Los Angeles provides evidence-based, whole-person treatment for suicidal ideation. We help clients address the root causes of suicidal thoughts and develop the best long-term strategies to manage their symptoms, regain stability, and build independence.
About Clearview
Ages Treated
Adults of all genders (18+)
Payments Accepted
Commercial insurance (in-network and out-of-network), self pay
Medicare/Medicaid
Not accepted
Key Info
Suicidal Ideation
Definition
Suicidal ideation encompasses a wide range of thoughts about ending one’s life — from a momentary desire for things to end to carefully considered plans formed with intent. These thoughts are not uncommon, particularly during periods of profound emotional or physical pain. Experiencing them does not necessarily mean a person truly wishes to die, but rather that they are in significant distress and in need of immediate professional care. Most importantly, it means they need a compassionate source of support.
Suicidal thoughts are more common when:
- Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, substance use, or chronic pain are present
- Significant losses or trauma have taken place
- Individuals feel hopeless, isolated, or overwhelmed
Teens and young adults, middle-aged men, LGBTQIA+ individuals facing discrimination, veterans, and those with a previous suicide attempt or access to lethal means are at higher risk.
A trained clinician can assess how often the thoughts occur, whether there’s a plan or intent, access to means, and protective factors, then create a safety plan and treatment.
Signs + symptoms
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the US, but it’s also preventable with timely, compassionate support. Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation is the first step toward saving lives. Protective factors such as strong social connections, a sense of purpose, access to effective mental health care, and skills in problem-solving and emotional regulation all play a vital role in reducing risk.
Common signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation include:
- Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or trapped
- Increased substance use
- Agitation or reckless behavior
- Withdrawing from others
- Extreme mood changes
- Seeking access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, medications)
Risk factors
Common risk factors for suicidal ideation include:
While suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, certain factors may increase vulnerability. Understanding these risks helps individuals, families, and mental health providers recognize when extra support is needed. Common risk factors include:
- History of prior suicide attempts – One of the strongest predictors of future risk.
- Mental health and substance use disorders – Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol or drug misuse can heighten vulnerability.
- Chronic pain or serious medical conditions – Ongoing physical suffering or illness often intensifies feelings of hopelessness
- Recent loss or significant life stressors – Including bereavement, relationship changes, job loss, or financial strain.
- Exposure to suicide – Knowing someone who has died by suicide or frequent exposure in media or community settings can increase risk.
- Access to lethal means – The availability of firearms, medications, or other methods can turn a crisis into a fatal attempt.
It’s important to remember that these risk factors do not cause suicidal ideation on their own, but when combined, they can significantly increase the likelihood of someone experiencing a crisis. Recognizing and addressing them early is a critical step in prevention.
Suicidal ideation + co-occurring addiction
Research shows that individuals who experience suicidal ideation are at a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders compared to the general population. The connection between the two is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Yet, both often stem from shared vulnerabilities such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and difficulties with coping or emotional regulation.
Suicidal thoughts frequently arise in the context of overwhelming emotional pain or untreated psychiatric conditions. In these situations, drugs or alcohol may be used as a temporary escape, but substance misuse often intensifies feelings of hopelessness and despair. Dependence on substances can not only worsen suicidal ideation but also trigger new symptoms even when an individual appears otherwise stable.
Substance use further complicates diagnosis and treatment, masking underlying mental health concerns and making recovery more challenging. For this reason, effective care requires an integrated treatment plan that addresses both suicidal ideation and co-occurring addiction simultaneously. This dual diagnosis approach reduces risk, improves outcomes, and helps individuals build sustainable coping strategies for long-term stability.
Treatment
Every individual experiences suicidal ideation differently. Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment challenges vary depending on medical history, personal circumstances, and the presence of co-occurring conditions. Because of this complexity, the most effective approach to long-term management is a multidisciplinary treatment plan that combines psychotherapy, medication, family programming, and ongoing social support.
Psychotherapy
Evidence-based therapies are central to reducing suicidal thoughts and building resilience:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Backed by extensive research, DBT is proven to reduce suicide attempts and self-harm in high-risk populations.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT-based approaches help reframe harmful thought patterns and teach practical coping skills.
- Mindfulness-based interventions + mind-body therapies – These practices enhance emotional regulation, reduce stress, and promote greater awareness of triggers and symptoms.
- Trauma-focused therapies – Addressing the lasting effects of trauma can significantly lower the risk by treating the root cause(s) of suicidal ideation.
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders – Dual-diagnosis care ensures both suicidal thoughts and underlying conditions like addiction are treated together.
- Suicide-focused interventions – Evidence-based strategies such as Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) and Crisis Response Planning can help reduce suicide attempts.
Medications
While no single medication can “cure” suicidal ideation, certain prescriptions can help treat the psychiatric conditions that contribute to these thoughts. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may be used to address depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medications are most effective when paired with psychotherapy and safety planning, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Family + Social Support
Family involvement is a critical component of effective treatment. Family therapy and educational programs help loved ones understand the challenges of suicidal ideation and equip them with tools to provide meaningful support. In addition, peer and social support groups offer connection, accountability, and community — helping individuals feel less isolated while sharing experiences with others on similar paths.
If you’re struggling with suicidal ideation, you’re not alone. Contact us to learn more about our mental health treatment programs at 323.402.1622.
Treatment for Suicidal Ideation at Clearview
We provide thorough risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, DBT-centered treatment, family involvement (as appropriate), and coordinated medical/psychiatric care — including careful means-safety planning and active follow-up.
When a drug or alcohol addiction further complicates suicidal ideation, the impact on an individual’s life can escalate quickly. The stress of the disorder — experienced by both the affected individual and their loved ones — can take a long-term toll on the health, happiness, and quality of life for everyone involved. Intensively trained DBT clinicians integrate CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Seeking Safety within a comprehensive continuum of care.
Clearview Treatment Programs helps individuals with suicidal ideation take long-term steps towards healing and stability. We work closely with our clients to determine the optimal combination of therapies, medications, and resources to effectively manage their symptoms and support their thriving in their communities.
We offer residential programs and outpatient treatment to address the symptoms, behaviors, and challenges faced by individuals who struggle with suicidal ideation. Our personalized treatment approach combines evidence-based therapies, mind-body therapies, and family programming to provide our clients with the best chance at sustained recovery and full participation in society.
How We Treat
All of our clinicians are extensively trained in incomprehensive dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many are DBT-Linehan Board Certified. In addition to DBT, our clinicians are certified in various evidence-backed therapies, including:
Our Treatment Programs
Addiction with Co-occurring Mental Health
Women's Mental Health
Gender-Inclusive Mental Health
Clearview Treatment Programs
Outpatient Treatment
Our outpatient programs help clients with mental health disorders maintain a structured treatment routine while providing them with a higher level of independence in their lives. Clearview offers both partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that can be tailored to each client’s unique symptoms, challenges, and needs.