How to Support a Suicidal Teen – Grow Well Counselling

What do you do if you overhear your child or teen talking about suicide, harming themself, or depressive thoughts? First of all, don’t panic! Stay calm and read through the following tips on how to handle the situation immediately, and then reach out to a trusted mental health professional (like the ones on our team!) to book a session for your child/teen.

Show Up. Sit down with your child/teen and listen. Take them seriously and don’t minimize their feelings. Stop what you’re doing. Put your phone down. Make eye contact and give them your full attention.
Shut Up. Have an open, non-judgemental conversation with your child/teen. Do more listening than talking. Ask open-ended questions such as “Can you tell me more about why you’re feeling this way?” The goal is to understand right now instead of reframing or refuting irrational thoughts.
Substantiate. (Validate) Practice empathy and active listening. Validate the emotions but not the thought. “What you’re dealing with sounds really hard. I can understand why you’re feeling sad.”
Speak Life. Remind your child how resilient, strong, and loved he is. Here is where you can remind your child of the truth. Remember, never refute or minimize emotions, but gentle and lovingly correct irrational thought patterns. “I know it feels like everyone hates you, but that’s not true! You are so loved!”
Solve. (Help problem solve) This is the time to ask directly about a plan and intention. If the child acknowledges the thought has been ongoing or they have a plan, help them create a safety plan. Stay with them (or a trusted adult) and remove potentially harmful items. You can also call a suicide prevention hotline (988).
Schedule. Call a trusted mental health therapist to schedule regular counselling sessions.
When a teen is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, providing a combination of emotional support, professional help, and a safe, open environment can make a world of difference. It’s important to stay calm, listen actively, and take immediate steps to ensure their safety and well-being. You don’t have to face this alone—help is available, and it’s critical to get your teen the support they need as soon as possible. Call our office today to book regular sessions for yourself and your child/teen.

Session	Type	Time	Price
Initial Telehealth “Meet-and-Greet”	Phone or Video	15 mins	FREE
Individual Counselling Session		50 mins	$175
Individual 90-Minute Session		80 mins	$225
Family and Couples Session		50 mins	$200
Family and Couples 90-Minute Session		80 mins	$250
Family and Couples 2-Hour Session		105 mins	$300
Counselling Sessions with Intern (all types)		50 mins	$50
Group Rate (per person)		50 mins	$40
Telehealth Session	Video	Same fees as individual, couples, and family sessions
Document Production	Print, Email, Fax		$25
Report Writing		1 Hour	$175
Court Appearance		per hour	$250
Cancellation Fees Appointments cancelled the day before the scheduled appointment will incur a $50 charge. Same day cancellations or no-show are subject to the full session fee.