If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Veterans and service members can dial 988 and press 1. Paramount Healthcare Services is an outpatient clinic and does not provide emergency services.
Suicidal ideation includes thoughts about death or ending one’s life. Self-harm means intentionally injuring the body and may occur with or without suicidal intent. Both require timely attention and professional assessment.
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm can indicate serious emotional distress. Paramount Healthcare Services provides non-emergency psychiatric evaluation, treatment planning, therapy support, referrals, and medication management in Las Vegas.
Our care is led by Dr. Chidiogo Nwokike, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who sees children, teens and adults. Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you are weak or that things cannot get better. These thoughts are treatable, and many people who once felt this way go on to feel hopeful again.
Passive suicidal ideation may involve wishing not to wake up without having a specific plan. Active suicidal ideation may include intent, preparation, or a plan and requires urgent safety evaluation.
Non-suicidal self-harm occurs without an intention to die and may be used to cope with emotional pain, numbness, or distress. Suicidal behavior involves an intention to end one’s life. Self-harm remains serious because intent and risk can change.
Warning signs may include:
Risk may be associated with emotional pain, mental or physical illness, trauma, isolation, relationship problems, stressful events, previous suicide attempts, substance use, and access to lethal means.
Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, chronic pain, grief, bullying, financial stress, trauma, and relationship loss may increase concern. Risk factors do not predict an individual’s actions, which is why professional assessment is important.
An evaluation may examine current thoughts, intent, plans, access to harmful means, previous attempts or self-injury, mental health symptoms, substance use, stressors, support systems, protective factors, and immediate safety.
Treatment depends on the level of risk, underlying conditions, and individual needs. Emergency or hospital care may be required when danger is immediate.
The provider evaluates current risk, contributing symptoms, and whether outpatient treatment is safe and appropriate.
Several therapies have strong evidence for reducing suicidal thoughts and self harm:
CBT and DBT can both be effective. DBT is often preferred when self harm is repeated or emotions feel overwhelming, while CBT focused approaches can work well for suicidal thinking linked to depression. We provide these through our therapy services and referrals.
Medication may be considered for conditions contributing to suicidal thoughts or self-harm, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or psychosis. Treatment is individualized and monitored.
Care may include follow-up appointments, coping strategies, safety planning, appropriate family involvement, and coordination with therapists or higher levels of care.
Ask directly about suicide, listen without judgment, and take all statements seriously. Stay with the person during immediate danger, reduce access to lethal means when safe, and connect them with 988 or emergency care. Do not promise secrecy. Continue checking in and help them remain connected with professional support.
Protective factors are things that lower risk and support recovery, such as strong relationships, a sense of purpose, access to mental health care, coping and problem solving skills, and cultural or spiritual beliefs. Treatment works to strengthen these.
A safety plan usually includes:
Making the environment safer, such as storing firearms locked and away from the home and securing medications, is one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide during a crisis.
Most people with suicidal thoughts can be treated safely in outpatient care with regular visits, a safety plan and support. A higher level of care is needed when risk is high, such as when a person has a plan or intent, cannot stay safe or has made a recent attempt.
In the hospital, the team completes a full evaluation, keeps the person safe, starts or adjusts treatment and builds a discharge plan. The days and weeks after leaving the hospital are a higher risk period, so a quick follow up appointment matters. We can provide outpatient psychiatric follow up after a hospital stay.
Southern Nevada has local suicide prevention resources that can work alongside clinical care, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Support Services of Nevada, the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, NAMI Southern Nevada and Hope Means Nevada for youth and families.
Paramount Healthcare Services is located at 1705 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104, and we see patients from across the Las Vegas Valley, including Henderson, Summerlin and North Las Vegas. Secure telehealth visits are available for patients in Nevada. We accept Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid, and offer affordable cash pay options. Related conditions we treat include depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma.
For non-emergency concerns, schedule a psychiatric evaluation with Paramount Healthcare Services in Las Vegas. A provider can assess symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan. Routine appointments do not replace 911, 988, or emergency-room care during a crisis.
Providing compassionate, professional, and reliable psychiatric care in Las Vegas. We are dedicated to quality mental health services and supporting healthier lives.
