What it is: The TAP Clinic provides treatment for suicidality and self-injury. Suicidality involves the thoughts, urges, and behaviors associated with a wish or plan to take one’s own life. Suicide is a major public health problem: it is the second leading cause of death in young people, and it is in the top 10 leading causes of death for adults in the US. Moreover, the CDC recently released a report showing that suicide rates are on the rise nationwide (CDC, 2018).

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A similar yet distinct behavior is called non-suicidal self-injury and includes any behavior that causes damage to the physical self without the intent to die (e.g., cutting, burning). People engage in self-injury for a variety of reasons, including self-punishment, distraction, or to reduce feelings of numbness or detachment.

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Fortunately, treatments are available that target both suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. These treatments include both short-term and long-term goals. In the short-term, treatment involves learning more effective and less damaging coping skills for managing intense emotional distress. Over the long-term, treatment is focused on creating a life worth living.

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Associated concerns: Suicidality and self-injury often co-occur with mood disturbance , anxiety and stress , perfectionism and shame , or traumatic experiences . When individuals have trouble coping with these symptoms, they may also develop difficulties with substance abuse or anger management. 

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Evidence Based Treatments offered: DBT , CBT

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TAP Providers who treat suicidality and self-injury

   In adolescents: Dr. Ritschel , Nicole Turner , Chloe Zachary, Dr. Mochrie

     In adults: Becca Edwards-Powell , Dr. Byars , Chloe Zachary, Dr. Miller , Dr. Ritschel , Nicole Turner , Dr. Mochrie