Individual Therapy & Support

Suicide Prevention Counseling

CHADS Individual Therapy & Support program provides targeted, time-limited suicide prevention counseling for children, teens, and young adults (ages 25 and under) experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation. Services focus on meeting youth where they are and helping them build skills to navigate current challenges.

CHADS’ licensed counselors and social workers use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to support goal-setting, coping skill development, and hope for the future. Comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning are integrated into care for clients experiencing suicidal thoughts, with referrals to additional services provided when needed.

Office counseling consists of one-on-one sessions with the child or adolescent, with parent involvement and communication as appropriate for safety planning.

Psychoeducational support groups are held at the office at various times throughout the year as well. Please call the Family Support Warm Line at (314) 952-8274 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, to schedule an office appointment or for more information about Family Support services.

Suicide rates increased 37% between 2000-2018 and decreased 5% between 2018-2020. However, rates returned to their peak in 2022. (source)

Missouri suicide rates are consistently higher than those in the united states (source).

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34 years (source).

NIMH recognizes counseling as an effective intervention for reducing suicide risk.

School-Based Counseling

The CHADS Individual Therapy & Support program has clinicians embedded in approximately 40 area middle schools and high schools, including schools in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County. Our school based counseling services include our other programs of Social Emotional Wellbeing, Signs of Suicide. Visit our list of participating schools. To sign up contact Colleen Suber at Colleenp@chadscoalition.org.

High School Depression and Anxiety Support Group

This peer support group is for middle and high school students experiencing depression, anxiety, or related challenges. CHADS provides support, guidance, and resources for teens who are experiencing an emotionally difficult time. There is no out-of-pocket cost. This group is usually offered once in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. For more information contact Devon Fortner (devon@chadscoalition.org).

Office Counseling

Office counseling consists of one-on-one sessions with the child or adolescent, with parent involvement and communication as appropriate for safety planning. Psychoeducational support groups are held at the office at various times throughout the year as well. Please call the Family Support Warm Line at 314.952.8274 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, to schedule an office appointment or for more information about Individual Therapy & Support services.

Adult Survivors of Suicide Support Group

The Survivors of Suicide Support Group is an open, peer-facilitated group for adults (age 18 and above) who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group meets   in person on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at the CHADS Office in South County from 6:45-8pm. For more information contact Kellen Wolters at kellen.wolters@gmail.com.