Support for Children & Teens Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
Helping your child feel safe, supported, and not alone.
If You’re Worried About Your Child’s Safety
If your child or teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you need immediate support, you can also contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, available 24/7.
If you’re reading this because you’re scared, uncertain, or trying to understand what your child is going through—you’re doing the right thing by seeking help.
When a Child Feels Overwhelmed by Life
Hearing that your child has suicidal thoughts can be terrifying. You may feel shocked, helpless, or unsure how this could be happening. Many parents worry they missed something—or fear what this means for their child’s future.
Suicidal ideation in children and teens often doesn’t mean they truly want to die. More often, it means they feel overwhelmed, trapped, or unable to cope with intense emotional pain. With the right support, children and teens can move through these thoughts and regain hope.
A Calm, Safe Place to Be Taken Seriously
At River Haven Counseling, we provide immediate, compassionate counseling for children and teens experiencing suicidal thoughts. Our therapists are trained to assess risk carefully, prioritize safety, and support young people with sensitivity and care.
We work with both the child and the parents or caregivers—because protecting your child and supporting their healing requires a team approach.
What Suicidal Ideation Can Look Like in Kids & Teens
Children and adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts may show:
- Talking about wanting to disappear or not exist
- Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
- Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Increased irritability, sadness, or emotional numbness
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance
- Self-harming behaviors or risky actions
These signs should always be taken seriously—and help can make a real difference.
How Counseling Helps Protect and Support Your Child
Therapy focuses first on safety, then on helping your child understand and manage the emotions driving these thoughts. Through counseling, children and teens learn to:
- Feel heard and understood without judgment
- Identify and express emotions safely
- Develop coping strategies for intense distress
- Reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness
- Build resilience and a sense of hope for the future
Parents are supported too—learning how to respond in ways that increase safety, connection, and trust.
What Therapy Looks Like at River Haven
Our approach is careful, structured, and compassionate. Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include:
- Ongoing risk assessment and safety planning
- Emotional regulation and distress-tolerance skills
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies adapted for youth
- Trauma-informed support when underlying stressors are present
- Parent collaboration and guidance every step of the way
Your child will never be rushed, blamed, or dismissed.
Questions Parents Often Ask
Does suicidal ideation mean my child will act on it?
Not always. Many children experience suicidal thoughts without intent—but all such thoughts deserve immediate attention and support.
Will therapy keep my child safe?
Therapy is one important part of safety. We work closely with families to build clear plans and supports that reduce risk.
How involved will I be as a parent?
Parents and caregivers are essential partners. We’ll help you understand what your child needs and how to support them at home.
What if my child doesn’t want to talk?
That’s common. Our therapists are skilled at building trust and helping kids open up at their own pace.
Why Families Trust River Haven Counseling
- Therapists experienced in youth suicide risk and crisis support
- A calm, professional environment focused on safety and care
- Thoughtful collaboration with parents and caregivers
- Compassionate, nonjudgmental support during frightening moments
You Don’t Have to Carry This Fear Alone
If your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available—and hope is real. Early, supportive intervention can save lives and help children rediscover a sense of possibility.
Call 701.566.0204 or visit riverhavenfargo.com to schedule an appointment.
We’re here to help keep your child safe and support your family through this difficult time.