Our Approach

We are committed to keeping suicidal patients out of the hospital whenever possible. Inpatient units, although sometimes necessary, can impede healing and often have a traumatizing impact when not utilized correctly. Our evidence-based conclusion is unequivocal: sending suicidal patients to inpatient units should be a last resort due to its potential harm to their well-being. We handle these decisions with the utmost seriousness. We understand that students are a particularly vulnerable group in need of specialized care.

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Our treatment approach is founded on two key pillars: the Family-Inclusive Treatment (FIT) model and the Narrative Crisis Model of Suicide (NCM) framework. 

 

The FIT model is a unique treatment approach designed to maximize the support that families can provide to a person in a suicidal crisis. At the heart of FIT is open communication about symptoms, medication, and other aspects of treatment, while maintaining strict confidentiality on personal matters unrelated to psychiatric symptoms, medications, and treatment planning. This approach has been refined and successfully implemented over the past decade at our sister center, The Galynker Family Center for Bipolar Disorder, demonstrating its efficacy in even the most challenging cases. 

 

The NCM is an evidence-based framework that outlines the gradual progression from basic vulnerabilities to the acute suicidal mental state known as Suicide Crisis Syndrome. Our experienced team of clinicians provide an extensive assessment to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation and collaborate with you and your treatment partners to design a personalized treatment plan. This plan might include medication (if needed), psychotherapy, and support. 

 

Your family and/or other loved ones will be involved in your treatment, as we strongly believe that support of people who are closest to you is a crucial component of successful treatment outcome. Based on your specific needs and the NCM staging assessment, the FIT treatment model may be adapted to include family involvement in medication management, couple's therapy, and/or family therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy for the patient and therapy for the treatment partners.