Suicide Prevention & Self-Harm Support in Charlotte, NC

When a teen or young adult is struggling with self-harm or thoughts of suicide, it can feel very frightening, and these topics are often incredibly difficult to talk about. However, remaining calm and empathetic can lead to open conversation and the ability to access timely support which can make a significant difference, and even save a life.  

Our Queen City Counseling & Consulting clinicians are highly experienced in fostering a safe and supportive environment for adolescents, young adults (ages 13–27) and their families to explore active suicidal and self-harm thoughts in more depth and provide compassionate care, education, and guidance through evidence-based models that promote healing and hope.   

What is the difference between suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and self-harm? 

• Suicidal Ideation: Refers to ones thoughts about suicide and ending their life. It can include passive thoughts, more active consideration, as well as plans to end life itself.  
• Suicidal Behaviors: Refers to taking action and steps towards ending one’s life or taking action and steps in preparing to end ones life.  
• Self-harm (such as cutting, burning, or other intentional injuries) does not always mean a person has suicidal ideation or wants to end their life, but it is a serious sign of emotional distress that requires care and attention. There are many root causes of self-harm that can be worked through in therapy. 

Both suicide prevention and self-harm support aim to reduce risk, provide healthier coping strategies, and connect individuals to the resources and relationships that foster resilience and healing. 

Risk Factors for Suicide and Self-Harm 

Suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors are often linked to a combination of mental health concerns, personal struggles, and environmental stressors. Common risk factors include: 

• A present mental health diagnoses particularly; Depression and mood disorders, Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and PTSD  
• A history of Trauma including child abuse, or bullying 
• Sexual violence or relationship struggles 
• Substance use 
• History of mental health diagnoses and/or suicide or self-harm in the family 
• Past history of suicidal thoughts or attempts 
• Chronic illness or chronic pain 
• Social isolation and lack of support 
• Environmental Risk Factors: including access to lethal means, prolonged stress, stressful life events and transitions, and significant loss 

If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, access to lethal means, including firearms and/or unsecured medications significantly increases risk of suicidal actions and working with a professional to navigate these conversations and creating a realistic and effective safety plan is an important part of the process. 

At Queen City Counseling, we frequently work with teens and young adults who use self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. Our role is to provide a safe supportive environment to further explore the root cause and underlying pain leading to such urges while simultaneously helping clients build protective factors and more adaptive, effective ways of managing their triggers.  

Understanding the Scope 

Suicide is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the CDC: 

• Suicide rates increased by 36% between 2000–2022. 
• In 2022, nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide—about one death every 11 minutes. 
• Millions more reported seriously thinking about suicide, planning an attempt, attempting suicide.

Among adolescents ages 12-17 from 2021-2023:

• 20% reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. 
• 16% reported making a suicide plan in the past year. 
• 9% reporting attempting suicide in the past year. 

Self-harm behaviors are also widespread among teens and young adults. Even if someone does not intend to end their life, repeated self-harm can increase the risk of accidental death and often signals deeper emotional pain. Both issues deserve immediate, compassionate attention. 

Prevention and Support Efforts 

Per the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “As with other health issues, time can be a critical and life-saving measure. Typically, a life can be saved if you allow time for the person’s suicide risk to subside or to get through that period of distress, and to get mental health help.”  Effective suicide prevention and self-harm support involve, identifying those at risk for suicide, connecting them with support, and addressing both risk factors and protective factors.  

Some strategies include: 

• Therapy and evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-harm 
• Family and caregiver involvement in treatment
• School- and community-based prevention programs
• Reducing access to lethal means and creating safe environments 

Research shows that starting a conversation can make a difference. During adolescence, these conversations may be difficult to start and require compassionate persistence to work through relationship barriers, especially around these sensitive topics. Professional guidance can help to provide a neutral environment and support to both you and your teen in having these conversations.

Support for Teens, Young Adults, and Families 

At Queen City Counseling & Consulting, we understand that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our team prioritizes including parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process—offering tools, education, and support—so families can navigate this journey together through a many different levels of care offered at our practice  

If your teen or young adult is engaging in self-harm or struggling with suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone. With compassionate, professional support, recovery is possible. 

Schedule an Appointment Today 

Our team specializes in helping teens and young adults move through life’s most difficult transitions with care and understanding.  We have a variety of options available that we have found effective in addressing self harm and suicidal thoughts including regular outpatient individual and group therapy as well as our more intensive care options such as our Intensive Outpatient Program , individualized intensive programs, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. If your family is facing concerns around self-harm, suicidal ideation, or related challenges, we’re here to help. 

Call us today at (704) 457-8222 to schedule an appointment or request a consultation online. 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Sources: 
American Psychiatric Association – Suicide Prevention 
CDC – Suicide Facts 
CDC – Suicide Prevention Programs