When mental health symptoms become overwhelming, you may experience thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. These may be active thoughts like, “I want to hurt myself,” or passive ones like, “It would be easier not to be alive.” You’re not alone in feeling this way, and help is available immediately when you call the 988 Lifeline.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution, you can find specialized suicidal ideation treatment and self-harm treatment in a safe, compassionate environment at Crownview Psychiatric Institute in San Diego. Our experienced clinical team helps you learn healthy ways to manage difficult emotions and thoughts so they no longer control your life.

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What Is Self-Harm?

The clinical term for self-harm is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Self-harm involves deliberate self-inflicted harm that isn’t intended to be suicidal, such as cutting or burning skin, inserting objects under skin, or other behaviors intended to cause pain but not end life.

Self-harm typically develops as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage extreme emotional pain or communicate distress to others. While most people who self-harm do not intend to die, professional treatment for self harming is essential to prevent escalation.

Common self-harm behaviors include:

  • Cutting/burning skin
  • Picking/scratching
  • Inserting objects under skin
  • Pulling out hair
  • Biting/pinching
  • Punching
  • Hitting head/body parts against hard object

Warning signs of self-harm include:

  • Frequent unexplained injuries
  • Cuts and bruises that don’t heal
  • Wearing long pants and long sleeves in hot weather
  • Emotional instability
  • Extreme overreaction to setbacks
  • Negative self-talk
  • Sudden decline in school or at work performance
  • Self-isolation

What Is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of ending one’s own life. The seriousness varies depending on the specificity of plans and degree of intent. There are two types of suicidal ideation:

Passive suicidal ideation:

  • Absence of a suicide plan
  • Absence of means to attempt suicide
  • Absence of a time/time frame to attempt suicide

Active suicidal ideation:

  • Presence of a suicide plan
  • Presence of/access to lethal means
  • Presence of a time/time frame to attempt suicide

All suicidal ideation, whether passive or active, should be taken seriously. Professional suicidal ideation treatment can help prevent escalation and provide life-saving support.

Mental health disorders associated with increased suicide risk include:

  • Depressive disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder/personality disorders
  • Alcohol/substance use disorder
  • Schizophrenia

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Why Treatment for Self Harming and Suicidal Ideation Is Essential

When a person engages in self-harm or suicidal ideation and doesn’t receive appropriate treatment and support, the consequences can be extreme, up to and including escalation to a suicide attempt.

The consequences of untreated self-harm and/or suicidal ideation include:

  • Lingering infections
  • Organ damage
  • Escalating health problems
  • Escalating mental health symptoms/disorders
  • Reduced self-esteem
  • Increased feeling of shame/guilt
  • Alcohol/substance misuse
  • Withdrawal from friends/family
  • Increasing feelings of hopelessness/despair
  • Accidental or intentional death

Our Approach to Suicidal Ideation Treatment

At Crownview, we offer comprehensive self-harm treatment and suicidal ideation therapy tailored to address underlying mental health conditions. Once we understand your diagnosis, goals, and challenges, we design a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Psychotherapy:

  • Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERPT)
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Acceptance & commitment therapy

Medication:

  • If an underlying mental health disorder causes self-harm and/or suicidal ideation, patients may receive a subscription for medication indicated for that disorder

Education:

  • Distress tolerance
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition for health and wellness
  • Relationship dynamics/family dynamics
  • Communication/conflict resolution

Adjunct Therapies:

  • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) therapy
  • IV vitamins
  • GeneSight® testing

Complementary/Expressive Therapies:

  • Music therapy
  • Wellness groups
  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Singing bowls

Compassion, Community, and Connection: Core Components of Healing

With the direct input of your treatment peers, therapists, and counselors, you can learn how to apply what you learn during your time in treatment directly to your daily life. At Crownview, we create an atmosphere of compassion, empathy, and connection that helps you put it all together. We’re committed to building a supportive, nurturing community dedicated to your individual healing and growth.

What Level of Care Is Right for You?

The appropriate level of care depends on several factors. In collaboration with our Crownview treatment team, we’ll help you assess:

  1. The intensity and acuity of your symptoms.
  2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
  3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors, along with your treatment history, help determine whether intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), or residential treatment is right for you. If you’re at immediate risk of harm, inpatient hospitalization provides safety and stabilization until you can engage in less intensive care.

Our treatment for suicidal ideation meets you where you are, helps you develop tools to manage symptoms, and empowers you to live a full and productive life on your own terms.

Areas We Serve in San Diego County

Located in Oceanside, our anxiety treatment services are accessible to residents throughout North County San Diego and surrounding areas. We welcome clients from:

  • Oceanside
  • Carlsbad
  • Vista
  • Encinitas
  • Solana Beach
  • Del Mar
  • San Marcos
  • Escondido
  • La Jolla
  • All of San Diego County
  • Orange County

Our Oceanside location provides convenient access via Interstate 5 and public transit connections. We can help coordinate transportation for clients traveling from outside the immediate area.

Start Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Treatment in San Diego

If you or a loved one is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, help is available. At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we provide specialized treatment for suicidal ideation and self-harm in a safe, compassionate environment.

Contact us today to learn how our evidence-based care can help you find hope and healing.

Healing is a phone call away!

FAQs About Suicidal Ideation Treatment & Self-Harm Treatment in San Diego

Is self-harm always a suicide attempt?

No, self-harm and suicide attempts are different. Most people who self-harm do so to cope with emotional pain, not to end their lives. However, self-harm treatment is essential because behaviors can escalate over time and increase suicide risk.

Is suicidality in California a problem?

Yes, suicidality in California is a serious and growing concern, especially among young people ages 12 to 25. Recent data show that suicidality rates in this age group are significantly higher—up to 150% greater—than those of adults over 18, underscoring an urgent need for awareness, prevention, and compassionate mental health support.

Does insurance cover treatment for self-harm and suicidal ideation?

Most insurance plans cover treatment for self-harm and suicidal ideation, including residential programs. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain coverage options for therapy, medication, and other services.

How long does treatment typically take?

Treatment duration varies based on symptom severity, underlying conditions, and individual progress. Some clients benefit from several weeks of intensive residential care, while others transition to outpatient programs more quickly. We’ll discuss realistic timelines during your assessment.

What should I do if someone tells me they're thinking about suicide?

Take all talk of suicide seriously. Listen without judgment, express concern, and help them get professional help immediately. If they’re in immediate danger, call 988 or 911. Encourage them to contact a mental health professional for suicidal ideation therapy. 

Can someone recover from suicidal thoughts and self-harm?

Yes, recovery is possible with proper treatment and support. Evidence-based therapies like DBT and CBT, combined with medication when appropriate, help people develop healthy coping skills and build meaningful lives. Many people who receive treatment for self-harming go on to live fulfilling lives without self-harm or suicidal ideation.

What is the connection between depression and suicide?

Depression and suicide are closely linked, as severe or untreated depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and emotional pain that increase suicide risk. While not everyone with depression experiences suicidal thoughts, early intervention, therapy, and medication can significantly reduce these risks and help individuals find hope and healing.

Do self-harm treatment centers test for depression?

Yes, most self-harm treatment centers provide comprehensive mental health evaluations that include testing for depression and other co-occurring conditions. Understanding whether depression is contributing to self-harming behaviors allows clinicians to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses both emotional distress and underlying causes.

How can you prevent major depression?

Preventing major depression involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying connected with supportive people, and seeking help early when symptoms like sadness, fatigue, or loss of interest begin to appear. Regular therapy, stress management techniques, and addressing life challenges proactively can also reduce the likelihood of depression becoming severe.