Therapy for Suicidal Thoughts and/or Ideation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey

 

I’m Dese’Rae L. Stage, LCSW, a queer therapist and founder of Three Swords Therapy, providing telehealth therapy for adults in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, suicidal ideation, ADHD, and identity-related stress.

Many therapists work with depression, but get spooked when the “s word” comes up. Fewer specialize in suicidal ideation and chronic suicidal thoughts, like me. I specialize in working with people who experience suicidal thoughts, chronic suicidality, and self-injury. I do not believe suicidal thoughts are a death sentence, and I do not believe they necessarily require hospitalization. I will work with you to keep you as safe as possible in a way that makes you feel safe and doesn’t focus on my liability as a clinician. 

In addition to extensive clinical training, I bring lived experience with chronic suicidal ideation (and attempts), ADHD, CPTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety to the table, which means one thing: I’ve been there. This informs a therapy approach that is compassionate, direct, and deeply understanding of what it means to live with these experiences.

What therapy for suicidal ideation can focus on

People often ask me, “Can therapy help suicidal thoughts?” “Is therapy safe if I’m suicidal?” “Can I talk about suicidal thoughts without being hospitalized?” The answer is yes.

Therapy may include work on:
– Having someone in the room with you who gets it and whose immediate thought won’t be hospitalization. In fact, I will explain to you what mandatory reporting really means, because it is often used inappropriately for liability purposes.
– Reducing the intensity and frequency of suicidal thoughts
– Building distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills
– Harm reduction
– Understanding the underlying drivers of suicidality
– Exploring identity-related stress, trauma, and life transitions
– Creating sustainable coping and safety strategies

About Working With Me If You’re Suicidal

If you’re thinking about suicide and wondering what therapy will actually be like, let me cut through the fear: telling me about your thoughts won’t automatically land you in a hospital or get the police called. You can be honest here. Really.

When we work together, we’ll focus on what’s making things feel unbearable and how you can get through the next hour, day, or week without losing control of your life. We’ll talk openly about your thoughts and feelings, build practical coping strategies, and create a safety plan that you actually feel comfortable with.

I know it’s scary to trust someone with this. But you won’t be judged, shamed, or dismissed. Your experiences—and your choices—matter. And if crisis resources become necessary, we’ll approach them thoughtfully, so you stay as empowered as possible.

Therapy here isn’t about trying to “fix” you. It’s about making sure you have support, clarity, and strategies to survive and get through the moments that feel impossible.

Who I Work With

  • People in acute suicidal crisis

  • People who have lived with suicidal thoughts for years

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing chronic suicidality

  • People whose suicidal thoughts increase during stress or depression

  • People with ADHD or treatment-resistant depression who also experience suicidal ideation

  • People who want a therapist who is comfortable talking openly about suicide