Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapist in Venice
Hold the Pain. Create Safety. Help Them Choose Life.
In our therapy sessions, we will work on:
• Identifying the triggers behind self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Developing healthy ways to cope with emotional overwhelm
• Addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, or identity struggles
• Building emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
• Reconnecting with hope, meaning, and a sense of purpose
• Involving family in a supportive way when appropriate
• Creating a safety plan to protect the teen during crisis
• Helping teens feel seen and understood in their struggle
When a teen turns to self-harm or starts expressing suicidal thoughts, it’s terrifying for everyone involved. But behind the behavior is usually something deeper—emotional pain they don’t know how to express, a desire to feel something, or a sense of hopelessness they haven’t shared out loud. These aren’t “attention-seeking” behaviors—they’re connection-seeking.
As a therapist who specializes in working with teens, I provide a safe, confidential space where they can talk honestly about what they’re feeling—without fear, shame, or being rushed to “get better.” Together, we create a plan for safety, healing, and long-term support.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts don’t define your teen—they’re signals that they’re hurting and need help. Let’s meet them there—with compassion, structure, and a path toward healing.
I provide therapy in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Mar Vista, Playa Del Rey, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Palms, and Santa Monica.
Finding a Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapist can be a vital step for someone who feels overwhelmed by emotional pain. At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we offer therapy that focuses on managing thoughts of self-harm and suicide with respect, clarity, and care. Our approach is grounded in safety, evidence-based methods, and connection. If you or someone close is struggling, help is available—and recovery is possible.
What Is Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapy?
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapy focuses on helping individuals who experience repeated thoughts of hurting themselves or ending their lives. These thoughts are not uncommon and often occur alongside intense emotional distress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or feelings of isolation.
A licensed Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapist offers tools that help clients:
Recognize thought patterns that lead to crisis
Build safe coping mechanisms
Develop emotional regulation skills
Address underlying mental health conditions
Therapy is not about judgment. It’s about understanding the root causes of distress and creating a structured plan for healing.
Why People Turn to Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts
People may engage in self-harming behavior or experience suicidal ideation for several reasons:
Emotional release: Physical pain may feel like a way to distract from emotional suffering.
Punishment: Some use self-harm to express guilt or shame.
Loss of hope: Ongoing depression, trauma, or life instability can make people feel hopeless.
Mental health conditions: Disorders such as major depressive disorder, PTSD, or borderline personality disorder often contribute to these behaviors.
At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we treat these conditions in parallel with the core emotional concerns. If you are looking for Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapy in Venice Beach, we provide a discreet and supportive space.
How Steven Kilmann, LMFT, Helps Clients in Crisis
Steven Kilmann, LMFT, works directly with clients to provide a reliable, structured, and confidential environment. Therapy focuses on:
Safety planning
Crisis prevention techniques
Long-term healing through personalized treatment
Family or partner support if needed
With years of clinical experience in treating suicidal thoughts and self-harming behavior, Steven offers a calm, grounded approach that emphasizes empowerment and sustainable healing.
If you’re seeking a Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapist in Venice, Steven offers both in-person and virtual sessions, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
What to Expect from Therapy Sessions
Each person’s experience with therapy is different, but sessions often include:
Initial assessment to understand the current risk level
Goal setting focused on safety and emotional stability
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to reframe harmful thought patterns
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills to regulate overwhelming emotions
Exploration of life events or trauma that may influence the current emotional state
Clients are never pushed into discussing things they’re not ready to explore. Instead, sessions build gradually, at a pace that respects the client’s emotional readiness.
How to Know If You or a Loved One Needs Help
Signs someone may benefit from seeing a Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapist:
Talking or joking about suicide or death
Withdrawing from friends or activities
Feeling helpless or hopeless most days
Visible signs of self-injury (cuts, burns, etc.)
Sudden mood changes, especially after a period of depression
If you recognize these signs, it’s important not to ignore them. You can schedule a consultation with Steven Kilmann, LMFT to understand next steps and begin a plan for support.
Serving Venice Beach and Surrounding Communities
For individuals seeking Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapy Venice, Steven offers sessions that fit the needs of locals, college students, and working professionals. Located conveniently near the beach, our therapy practice offers quiet and private surroundings ideal for healing.
In addition to therapy for suicidal ideation, Steven also supports clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, addiction, and grief. You can explore more about his experience with addiction support here.
Why Clients Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT
Over a decade of experience with crisis intervention
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with deep local ties
Known for a compassionate, no-pressure therapy style
One-on-one support for people in acute distress
Option for concierge therapy services when privacy is paramount
Clients have also sought Steven for his work with emotionally intense life transitions, which often overlap with self-harming urges. For instance, some clients initially contact him through his work in grief therapy, which you can read about here.
If You're in Immediate Crisis
While therapy is a key support, some situations require emergency help. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call a crisis line, go to the emergency room, or contact local authorities.
In the U.S., the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
Making the First Appointment
If you are ready to begin Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Therapy in Venice Beach, Steven Kilmann, LMFT offers a free initial phone consultation to assess your needs and answer your questions. Every inquiry is treated with absolute confidentiality.
You don’t need to face this alone. Therapy is a step toward reclaiming safety, peace, and control.
