1930 Marlton Pike East, Suite O-75, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Jersey Behavioral Health 856-856-4499

Conditions we treat

Support for self-harm and suicidal thoughts in New Jersey

You deserve compassionate help, not judgment. If you need support right now, call or text 988. Ongoing treatment starts with a careful safety assessment.

If there is immediate danger, a serious injury or you cannot stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Admissions calls and website forms are not emergency services.

  • DMHAS, New Jersey Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesLicensed by the State of New Jersey
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Understanding self-harm and suicidal thoughts

Different experiences, both deserving care

Self-harm can occur without an intention to die, while suicidal thoughts involve thinking about ending your life. These experiences can overlap, and intent can change. Neither should be dismissed or assessed by a website alone.

A clinician explores current thoughts, behavior, injuries, support and the ability to stay safe. Care may involve urgent medical help, crisis services, inpatient treatment or structured outpatient care depending on that assessment.

For South Jersey residents seeking follow-up care in Cherry Hill, the focus is on a realistic plan for daily safety and recovery. PHP, IOP or virtual care is appropriate only when the assessed needs and level of risk fit that setting, not as a substitute for emergency support.

The figures describe suicidal thoughts and attempts, not the prevalence of self-harm without suicidal intent. They are population estimates, not an individual risk assessment. Call 911 for immediate danger or serious injury, and call/text 988 for crisis support.

Self-harm and suicidal thoughts by the numbers

12.8 million
U.S. adults who seriously thought about suicide in 2022, according to the CDC's cited estimates. [1]
3.7 million
U.S. adults who made a suicide plan in 2022, according to the same estimates. [1]
1.5 million
U.S. adults who attempted suicide in 2022. These figures are not non-suicidal self-harm estimates. [1]

Signs that support may help

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

    Talking about wanting to die or feeling that life is not worth living deserves a direct, supportive response.

  • Feeling trapped or hopeless

    Intense emotional pain, helplessness or feeling like a burden can signal a need for help.

  • Self-harm urges or behavior

    Even without suicidal intent, self-harm deserves assessment and any injury may need medical attention.

  • Withdrawing from support

    A marked change in connection, routines or interests can be a warning sign.

  • Sudden concerning changes

    New or increasing agitation, substance use or extreme mood changes may increase concern.

  • Difficulty staying safe

    A stated intention to act, immediate danger or inability to stay safe requires emergency assessment.

  • Every plan is personal.

    You'll build coping skills, emotional regulation and relapse prevention strategies.

Your path to care

A personalized plan that treats both the mind and the body.

  1. Address immediate safety

    Use 911 or emergency care for immediate danger or serious injury, and 988 for crisis support. Do not wait for a website response.

  2. Complete an individual assessment

    A qualified professional evaluates current risk, medical needs and available support.

  3. Choose the appropriate setting

    Emergency, inpatient or outpatient care is based on safety and clinical need, not convenience alone.

  4. Create a collaborative safety plan

    Identify warning signs, coping steps, trusted contacts and professional support. Discuss safer access to potentially dangerous items with a clinician.

  5. Arrange follow-up care

    Treat contributing symptoms and coordinate support after a crisis or a change in level of care.

Clinical review

  • Prepared for review by Mark Sigmund, MA, LPC, CCDP, Clinical Director
  • Clinical review is pending
  • Informed by the sources listed below
  • Educational information, not a diagnosis

Find the right level of support

Our team can assess whether PHP, IOP or Virtual IOP fits your needs. When specialist or more intensive treatment is needed, ask about referral options. Program fit and availability are confirmed during assessment.

856-856-4499

Conditions we treat

Concerns a clinician will explore

  • Self-harm without suicidal intent

    Intentional injury without an intention to die is distinct from a suicide attempt, but it still needs care and can coexist with suicide risk.

  • Passive suicidal thoughts

    Wishing not to wake up or to be alive deserves assessment even without a stated plan.

  • Active suicidal thoughts

    Thinking about ending your life requires a timely safety assessment. Intent or immediate danger calls for emergency help.

  • After a suicide attempt

    Medical and psychiatric assessment is essential, followed by coordinated care and support.

  • Co-occurring symptoms

    Depression, trauma, bipolar symptoms, substance use and other concerns may contribute and need treatment.

  • Supporting someone else

    Take concerns seriously, ask directly about suicide and help connect the person with professional or emergency support.

Treatment approaches to discuss

Your clinician can explain which approaches fit your needs and which may require specialist care.

  • Collaborative safety planning

    A personalized plan for warning signs and concrete support steps, not a promise or a substitute for urgent care.

  • DBT-informed skills

    Distress tolerance and emotion regulation may support treatment. Discuss specialist DBT when indicated.

  • Diagnosis-specific treatment

    Treat underlying mental health concerns with an appropriate combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric care.

  • Coordinated support

    With consent and appropriate safety considerations, involve trusted supports and arrange follow-up across care settings.

Insurance we work with

We work with most major plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horizon BCBSNJ, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Optum. We'll verify your benefits for free, usually the same day.

  • Aetna insurance logo
  • Anthem insurance logo
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance logo
  • Cigna insurance logo
  • UnitedHealthcare insurance logo
  • Optum insurance logo
  • Carelon insurance logo
  • Harvard Pilgrim insurance logo
  • UMR insurance logo
  • Horizon BCBSNJ
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Beacon
  • Compsych
  • Health Net
  • Independence Administrators
  • Carefirst

Getting started

  1. 1

    Reach out

    Contact our Admissions Team 24/7 or fill out a brief online form to verify insurance and begin the process.

  2. 2

    Complete a pre-screen

    We'll assess your needs and match you with a personalized treatment plan developed by licensed professionals.

  3. 3

    Start healing

    Schedule your initial intake evaluation and meet your treatment team, often within 24 hours of reaching out.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I cannot stay safe right now?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you can, tell a trusted person and ask them to stay with you while help is arranged. Call or text 988 for crisis support. Do not wait for an admissions call or online form response.

Does self-harm always mean someone wants to die?

No. Self-harm can happen without suicidal intent, but intent can change and suicide risk can coexist. A qualified professional should assess safety and any medical needs.

Can I call 988 if I am unsure whether it is a crisis?

Yes. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. You can also contact it about someone you are concerned about.

Can PHP or IOP replace emergency care?

No. Immediate danger, serious injuries or inability to stay safe require emergency assessment. Outpatient care may be appropriate after assessment confirms that the setting meets your needs.

Will asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head?

No. Asking directly and compassionately can open a conversation and help someone connect with support. Take the answer seriously and seek emergency help when there is immediate danger.

Sources

  1. [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide data and statistics, including 2022 adult estimates. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
  2. [2] 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Get help. https://988lifeline.org/get-help/
  3. [3] NHS. Assessment and treatments for self-harm. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/assessment-and-treatments/
  4. [4] National Institute of Mental Health. Frequently asked questions about suicide. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq

Treatment can be life changing. Reach out today.

We'll verify your benefits for free and schedule a confidential assessment.

856-856-4499

In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.

Prepared for clinical review by Mark Sigmund, MA, LPC, CCDP, Clinical Director. Review pending. This page is for information only and is not medical advice.

Jersey Behavioral Health · 1930 Marlton Pike East, Suite O-75, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Serving Cherry Hill and South Jersey

Our Cherry Hill office is an easy drive from towns across Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties, and our virtual IOP is open to adults anywhere in New Jersey. Clients come to us from: