Suicide Prevention Services in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Suicide Prevention Services in Michigan are caring, clinical supports for people who feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or scared by thoughts of death or self-harm. You do not have to “wait until it gets worse” to ask for help—many people seek care when their thoughts are confusing, intense, or hard to control. These services help you stay safe, reduce risk, and build real coping tools for the moments that feel impossible. If you are worried about yourself or someone you love, getting support now can reduce danger and help you feel less alone.

Signs You Might Benefit

Suicidal thoughts can look different for each person. Some people have clear plans. Others have “I wish I could disappear” thoughts that come and go. You deserve support either way.

• Thoughts of dying or not wanting to wake up
• Feeling trapped or like there is no way out
• Making a plan to harm yourself, or searching for ways to do it
• Giving away items, saying goodbye, or writing notes
• Big mood changes (very sad, empty, angry, or suddenly “calm” after distress)
• Pulling away from friends, family, school, work, or faith/community
• Using more alcohol or drugs to cope
• Sleep changes (not sleeping, sleeping too much, nightmares)
• Feeling like a burden or believing others would be better off without you
• Past suicide attempt or self-harm, even if it was “a long time ago”

When you get the right help, many people notice benefits like:

• Less intense suicidal thoughts and fewer crisis spikes
• A clear, personalized safety plan for hard moments
• Better emotion control and problem-solving skills
• More support from trusted people (with your permission)
• Hope returning in small, real steps

Evidence-Based Approach

Our Suicide Prevention Services focus on safety first, then skill-building and healing. We use treatments supported by strong research and national clinical guidance. We also follow Michigan licensing and practice standards for behavioral health care, including required training, documentation, confidentiality rules, and duty-to-protect steps when someone is at imminent risk.

Suicide Risk Assessment (Clinical, Not Judgmental)

We use a structured approach to understand what is happening right now and what has happened before. We may ask about suicidal thoughts, plans, access to lethal means, past attempts, substance use, trauma, and protective factors (like family, faith, pets, goals, or values). This helps us match care to your risk level and needs.

Safety Planning Intervention (SPI)

Safety planning is a practical, step-by-step plan you can use when urges rise. This approach is supported by research and is recommended in many healthcare settings. A safety plan often includes: warning signs, coping steps you can do on your own, people you can contact, professional and crisis resources, and ways to make your space safer (like reducing access to lethal means).

NIH-supported research has shown that Safety Planning Intervention paired with follow-up contact can reduce suicidal behavior and increase outpatient care engagement (Stanley & Brown model; see NIH/PubMed reviews and related studies).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and CBT for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)

CBT helps you notice unhelpful thought patterns (like “Nothing will ever change”) and practice new ways to respond. CBT-SP is adapted to focus on suicidal thinking, triggers, and coping skills. The goal is to reduce risk and build tools you can use fast when distress is high. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes CBT as an evidence-based therapy for depression and related concerns, which often connect with suicide risk.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills

DBT skills can be especially helpful if you feel emotions very strongly or have urges that rise quickly. We may teach skills for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and communication. Many people like DBT skills because they are clear, practical, and usable in real life.

Collaborative Care and Care Coordination

When needed and with your permission, we coordinate with your primary care clinician, psychiatrist, school supports, or trusted family members. If medication may help (for example, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or sleep problems), we can help you connect with a prescriber and coordinate treatment goals.

Lethal Means Safety (A Key Part of Prevention)

Reducing access to lethal means during high-risk times is an evidence-based prevention strategy. We talk about safe storage of medications and firearms and other steps that match your home and your values. This is not about punishment—it is about buying time and keeping you alive while the wave passes.

Clinical references: APA clinical resources on evidence-based psychotherapy; NIH/PubMed literature on Safety Planning Intervention and suicide prevention (e.g., Stanley & Brown safety planning framework and related trials/replications).

What to Expect

Many people fear they will be judged, forced into something, or not believed. Our job is to listen carefully and help you stay safe. We work at your pace while also taking risk seriously.

First Contact and Scheduling

When you call or request an appointment, we will ask a few brief questions to understand urgency and schedule the right level of care. If you are in immediate danger (for example, you have a plan and intent right now), we will guide you to emergency help.

Intake Appointment (Usually 45–60 Minutes)

Your intake includes:

• What brought you in and what your hardest moments look like
• Screening for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and sleep issues
• A suicide risk assessment (thoughts, plans, past history, protective factors)
• Building or updating a safety plan
• Deciding on a care plan (weekly therapy, skills work, group referral, medication referral, or higher level of care if needed)

Ongoing Sessions

Most follow-up visits focus on:

• Reviewing what has changed since last session (including any spikes in risk)
• Practicing coping skills for the situations that trigger thoughts
• Reducing shame and increasing connection and support
• Problem-solving practical stressors (money, school, work, relationship conflict)
• Making your environment safer during high-risk windows

Confidentiality and Michigan Standards

Your privacy matters. In Michigan, licensed mental health professionals must follow state licensing rules and professional ethics, along with HIPAA privacy standards. There are limited exceptions. If we believe there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else, we may need to take steps to protect safety, which can include contacting emergency supports. When possible, we do this with you, not to you.

Insurance

We work with many insurance plans and can also discuss self-pay options. Costs vary based on your plan, your deductible, and your copay or coinsurance.

• Copay: A set fee you pay per visit (for example, $20–$60), depending on your plan.
• Deductible: The amount you pay before your plan starts paying for covered care. Some plans apply the deductible to behavioral health, and some do not.
• Coinsurance: A percentage you pay (for example, 10–30%) after the deductible is met.

Many plans must cover mental health care in a way that is comparable to medical care under mental health parity rules. This often means similar copays, visit limits, and prior authorization rules. Coverage details still vary, so we can help you verify benefits and understand expected costs before you start.

FAQ

What if I’m not sure my thoughts are “serious enough”?

If suicidal thoughts are showing up at all, you deserve support. You do not need a plan or an attempt to get care. Early help can prevent a crisis and build skills before things get worse.

Will I be forced to go to the hospital?

Not automatically. Many people can be supported safely with outpatient care and a strong safety plan. Hospital or emergency care is considered when there is imminent danger, like a clear plan, intent, and no ability to stay safe. We will talk with you about options and the reasons for any safety steps.

Can you help my teen or young adult?

Yes. Suicide prevention care can support teens, young adults, and families. We use age-appropriate, evidence-based therapy and can include caregivers when helpful and legally allowed. We also explain confidentiality clearly so everyone knows what will be shared and what will stay private.

What should I do right now if I feel unsafe?

If you might act on suicidal thoughts or cannot stay safe, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 support, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in Michigan, you can also call your local Community Mental Health (CMH) crisis line. If you can, stay with someone you trust and move away from anything you could use to harm yourself.