Evidence-Based Treatment for Suicidal Ideation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy has the strongest research evidence of any treatment for chronic suicidality. It was developed specifically for individuals with high-risk behaviors including suicidal ideation and self-harm, and decades of clinical trials have shown it significantly reduces both suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Comprehensive DBT at EBT Collaborative includes:

• Individual therapy with life-threatening behaviors as the first treatment priority

• A weekly skills training group covering distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness

• Phone coaching available between sessions for support during high-risk moments

• A structured treatment hierarchy that addresses crisis and safety directly before other clinical goals

Our program follows the full adherent DBT model as developed and researched, not a modified or shortened version.

DBT for Teens With Suicidal Ideation

For adolescents, the evidence supports a family-inclusive approach. Our multi-family DBT program for teens (DBT-A) brings parents and caregivers into treatment alongside the teen, reducing environmental stressors that can heighten risk and building the kind of home environment that supports recovery. DBT-A has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents.

When Suicidal Ideation Accompanies Other Conditions

Suicidal ideation frequently co-occurs with Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, trauma, and depression. Our clinicians treat the full clinical picture. Clients who experience suicidal thoughts alongside a significant trauma history may benefit from DBT Prolonged Exposure, which addresses trauma directly once safety and stabilization are established.

Who We Treat

We work with:

• Adults experiencing chronic or recurrent suicidal ideation

• Adolescents ages 12 and up

• Clients who have made prior suicide attempts

• Clients with co-occurring BPD, eating disorders, PTSD, or depression

• Clients who have not responded adequately to previous treatment
  

We do not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

The Difference Between Acute Crisis and Chronic Suicidality

Many treatments focus on crisis stabilization rather than the underlying drivers of suicidal ideation. While crisis support is important, it is not the same as treatment. Comprehensive DBT is designed to address the emotion dysregulation and psychological pain that make life feel unlivable, reducing the conditions that give rise to suicidal thinking in the first place.

Our goal is not just safety in the short term. Our goal is a life worth living.

Suicidal Ideation Treatment in Tennessee and Florida

We see clients in person at our Franklin, TN office and our Palm Beach Gardens, FL office. Telehealth is available to clients throughout Tennessee and Florida.

Treatment Can Help, and It Is Available

If you are looking for a therapist who specializes in suicidal ideation, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Contact EBT Collaborative to schedule a consultation.