Suicidal Ideation Guide: How to Help Prevent Suicide

Suicidal ideation is a side affect of a variety of mental health disorders, and refers to an action of planning or thinking about suicide. According to WHO estimates, approximately 1 million people are victims of suicide each year.1 Suicide is the leading cause of death, and affects people of all ages.2 If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation, you do not need to go through this alone. AMFM Mental Health Treatment can help you develop a safety plan, enact suicide prevention strategies, and develop crucial protective factors. Reaching out for mental health programming may help save lives; call us today for help.
how to help prevent suicide

Signs of Suicidal Behavior

People at risk of suicidal behavior tend to display certain warning signs prior to a suicide attempt. If you or someone you love is displaying the following behaviors, it may be time to reach out for professional clinical help, or to develop a safety plan:
  • Talking about wanting to die, no longer wanting to live, or a lack of purpose or interest
  • Feelings of hopelessness, extreme guilt and shame, drastic lows and emotional pain
  • Actions of making plans or researching ways to die, withdrawing from friends, family members and loved ones, engaging in self-harm, giving away important items of sentimental value, taking extreme and dangerous risks, drastic mood swings3

Help us to help you; if you’re currently experiencing thoughts of suicide or know people at risk of suicidal ideation, you can reach out to us at our 24/7 mental health hotline today.

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We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

Suicide Prevention Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers resources and shared conversations about suicide to the forefront of global discussions. They also sponsor “Out of the Darkness” campus walks to increase awareness of suicide prevention through social media outreach, volunteer opportunities, and more.

CDC’s Suicide Prevention Strategies

The CDC has shared some fact sheets surrounding suicide rates, suicide prevention strategies, risk factors and protective factors. Individual, Relationship, Community, and Societal Protective Factors outline support systems that can help reduce suicide rates by incorporating access to mental health care and conversations. They also outline seven strategies for suicide prevention in a video series here:4
  1. Strengthen economic supports
  2. Create protective environments
  3. Improve access and delivery of suicide care
  4. Promote healthy connections
  5. Teach coping and problem-solving skills
  6. Identify and support people at risk
  7. Lessens harms and prevent future risk (Postvention)

Suicide Prevention Programs

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers residential, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for people at risk. If you’re interested in mental health programming for adults and adolescents, don’t hesitate to reach out today.

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Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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National Mental Health Hotline Numbers

If you are in need of immediate emotional help, national mental health crisis response helplines offer confidential assistance regardless of where you are. These hotlines are staffed by professionals ready to provide 24/7 mental health assistance. They provide critical support and resources, ensuring you can access help whenever you need it, no matter your location.

AMFM Mental Health Program

If you’re seeking mental health support or depression treatment, consider reaching out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment. Our team has a 24/7 call center ready to provide the help you need. Contact us today to learn more about our nearby emotional crisis intervention programs and mental health crisis services, and begin your path to better days. Additionally, our team can connect you with the national suicide prevention lifeline if necessary.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you’re in need of immediate support, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is here for you. Call 988 or text the crisis text line at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide help and support. The suicide prevention and crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day via phone call or text, in English and Spanish. The federally-mandated crisis number 988 was made available in 2022 to all landline and cell phone users at no charge. Visit 988lifeline.org‌ for more information.

1-800-950-nami

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a national helpline with support services available via text, phone call, or online chat. The NAMI Helpline is a confidential support line that is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET, and is free of cost. If you are looking to find help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers specialized mental health support for those who are currently a danger to themselves or others. Our California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer you or your loved one mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. We provide comprehensive case management‌, a variety of therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us today. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us today.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with depression treatment and to meet your needs. 

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting well-being.

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I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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What to expect

Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Learning More About Mental Health Disorders

According to the Nation Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), if you struggle with a mental health disorder, you are not alone5 :
  • 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
  • 5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.
  • 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people)

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders–through evidence-based therapies, support groups, mental health resources and more–including but not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
  • Crisis & Traumatic Events
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Mood Disorders
  • Psychosis 
  • Phobias
  • Schizophrenia
  • Panic Attacks

Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide treatment options and cohesive plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.

What is Mental Health Treatment Like?

In a mental health treatment center, the day-to-day may vary depending upon your diagnoses and personalized treatment plan, but it will often consist of some combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, psychiatry services, and more. AMFM Mental Health Treatment combines holistic and evidence-based mental health services in order to help each person overcome their particular obstacles and mental health conditions with a fresh toolkit of skills.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, offering peer support, and the reminder that others are also walking through these challenges. At the same time, groups provide guidance from qualified mental health professionals, with suggestions and communication from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.6

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help adults and young adults change their cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow maladaptive coping mechanisms.7  

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.8

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”9 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Family Therapy

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.

Check Your Insurance Coverage For Mental Health Treatment

Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM Mental Health has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers. By using our form below, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our mental health facilities. Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form and the process is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list. I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Verify Your Insurance

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

Ghasemi P, Shaghaghi A, Allahverdipour H. Measurement Scales of Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes: A Systematic Review Article. Health Promot Perspect. 2015 Oct 25;5(3):156-68. doi: 10.15171/hpp.2015.019. PMID: 26634193; PMCID: PMC4667258.

“Facts About Suicide | Suicide Prevention.” CDC, 26 March 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html. Accessed 11 April 2025.

“Warning Signs of Suicide – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide. Accessed 11 April 2025.

CDC. (2022). Suicide Prevention Resource for Action: A Compilation of the Best Available Evidence. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventionresource.pdf

Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. (2025, March 27). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/#you-are-not-alone 

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.