How Therapy Supports Suicide Prevention for Teens
- WPA Therapy
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Depression in teens is a serious and growing concern, and it’s closely linked to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Therapy can play a critical role in suicide prevention, yet mental health stigma often gets in the way. Teens may feel ashamed or reluctant to ask for help, and parents may fear what it means if their child needs therapy, worrying that it suggests something is “wrong” with their kid.
But suicide prevention isn’t something one person can handle alone. It takes a village of support (parents, friends, schools, and professionals) all working together to treat depression in teens and provide them with the care they deserve.
One of the most powerful steps parents can take is to listen without judgment and connect their child to therapy. This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s work together to break down therapy stigma, recognize the signs of depression, and make sure teens have the support they need to heal and thrive.
Understanding Depression in Teens
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among young people. Having depression doesn’t mean a teen will attempt or complete suicide, but it does raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In fact, one of the possible symptoms of depression is thinking about, or even attempting, suicide.
Depression in teens can also look very different from depression in adults. Some teens may seem moody or irritable, while others appear more withdrawn, tired, or sad. Certain teens might sleep all day or avoid social situations, while others try to stay out of the house as much as possible. These changes can sometimes overlap with normal adolescent ups and downs, which makes it especially important for parents to check in and talk with their teen about how they’re really feeling.
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, like whether your teen thinks they might be depressed or if they’ve had suicidal thoughts. Starting that conversation won’t put ideas in their head, it can actually provide relief and open the door to support.
At the same time, parents should take a balanced approach. A little extra irritability doesn’t necessarily mean a teen is experiencing suicidal thoughts, but dismissing signs of depression altogether can be dangerous. If you’re unsure, start with a simple step: talk to your teen. And remember, pursuing therapy can be helpful even if your child isn’t suicidal or formally diagnosed with depression. Therapy is about building coping skills, resilience, and a safe place to process challenges, all of which can protect against future risk and help improve well-being overall.
The Role of Therapy in Suicide Prevention
Therapy plays a central role in suicide prevention because it gives teens a safe, judgment-free space to open up about their feelings. Many young people struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts don’t feel comfortable sharing openly with parents, teachers, or friends. A therapist is trained to recognize the signs of depression, assess suicide risk, and provide early intervention before a crisis escalates.
Beyond identifying risk, therapy equips teens with skills and strategies to manage their emotions and navigate life’s challenges. Different approaches can be tailored to meet each teen’s needs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps teens recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ways of thinking. For a teen struggling with signs of depression, like hopelessness or low self-esteem, CBT can provide a framework for building more balanced, positive self-talk.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is especially effective for teens who experience intense emotions or suicidal thoughts. It focuses on teaching coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. Teens learn not just how to survive hard moments, but how to navigate them more safely.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is particularly helpful for teens who have experienced trauma. EMDR can reduce the intensity of painful memories and associated depressive or suicidal thoughts, improving overall mental health.
Family Therapy
Sometimes the strongest progress happens when the whole family is involved. Family therapy helps parents and siblings understand what depression in teens looks like, how to communicate better, and how to build a supportive home environment.
How Parents Can Support Their Teen in Therapy
Parents play a huge role in making therapy successful. Your openness and encouragement can help remove stigma and show your teen that getting help is normal and worthwhile.
Here are some ways to support the process:
Be open to therapy. If your teen asks to see a therapist, don’t take it personally. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or that you’ve done something wrong. Therapy is no different than taking medication for a chronic condition: it’s about helping your teen feel better and giving them the tools they need to cope.
Help with logistics. Offer to find a therapist who’s in your insurance network, schedule appointments, and drive them to sessions. Reducing barriers makes it easier for your teen to stay committed.
Respect their privacy. It’s important not to pressure your teen’s therapist for details about what’s discussed in session. Instead, focus on maintaining trust at home so your child feels comfortable sharing on their own terms.
Offer gentle support. Ask about therapy in an open way: “How’s it going?” or “Is anything you’re learning helping?” but do your best to avoid prying. Show interest without making them feel interrogated. Your teen is entitled to privacy and boundaries.
Consider therapy for yourself. Supporting a teen with depression can take a toll on your own mental health. Having your own therapist gives you a safe place to process stress and learn ways to better support your child.
Taking Action
Teen suicide prevention requires support from all angles—at home, at school, with peers, and in therapy. Therapy can be a crucial resource in supporting your teen’s mental health and building coping skills.
If you’re ready to pursue therapy for your teen, or even for yourself, contact us at Westmoreland Psychotherapy Associates. Our therapists have extensive experience working with teens and adults and are here to provide guidance and support.
If you need help right away, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If someone is an immediate threat to themselves or others, dial 911.
