Suicide Prevention Resources

It can be difficult to know the best way to support a child experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. On this page, you will find resources for families and professionals that can help.

Immediate Crisis Resources

Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately if your child has made a suicide attempt or is showing warning signs of suicide, or take your child to the nearest emergency room.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Call 988.

Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline

Speak with a licensed provider for support during a mental health crisis situation that is not life-threatening involving youth or adolescents 17 and under in Franklin County, Ohio, available 24/7. Youth or parents, call (614) 722-1800.

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS)

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) provide immediate behavioral health services, at home or another safe location, for young people under 21 experiencing significant behavioral or emotional distress. Call the state line at 888-418-6777.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Photo

Addressing Suicide Among Youth

The Center for Suicide Prevention and Research (CSPR) at Nationwide Children's Hospital was created in 2015 to address the growing problem of suicide among youth in central Ohio.

Learn More About The Center
Access Blog Posts From Our Experts

Suicide Prevention Education

Suicide Warning Signs and How to Respond

Learn about common warning signs that someone might be thinking of ending their life and ways to support them.

Safe Storage Saves Lives

Learn simple tips to make your home a safer place for everyone.

Mental Health Crisis Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Learn how best to prepare for and navigate an emergency mental health assessment at a hospital or crisis center.

Your Child Has Thought About Ending Their Life - What’s Next?

If your child has thought about ending their life, you may feel shocked, numb, afraid or confused. Our experts offer tips to keep in mind during this stressful time.

Understanding Different Types of Mental Health Care

Learn about the different levels of mental health care available and how they work.

Lock and Protect Free Crisis Planning Tool

This interactive website from UCLA helps families start to think through a plan of how to prepare for and support a child experiencing difficult emotions.

Suicidal Behaviors

Learn more about suicidal behaviors, signs & symptoms, risk factors, treatment and when to seek help.

Blog Posts and Press Releases From Our Experts

Suicide Prevention

CSPR Blog Posts

Read blog posts written by Center for Suicide Prevention and Research staff.

A teenage girl has her back to the camera. She's wearing a back pack and is walking on a path in a tree-lined public area.

Video Resources

Check out these videos for more information on the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program and suicide prevention.

KMHF On Our Sleeves

KMHF Resources for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10-14 (in 2020) according to the CDC. Talking with kids about suicide is one of the most important conversations you can have. Learn about how to talk to kids about suicide, the myths surrounding suicide and ways to build resiliency to protect kids.

Photo of student

Talking to Kids About Suicide

As kids head back to school this year, many of them will be struggling. According to national statistics, we lose more than 2,000 children and teens per year to suicide. Experts say parents who check in regularly with their child could have a life-saving conversation. Asking a child directly about suicidal thoughts is usually the best thing a parent can do to help their child open up about their emotions. Even if their child is not struggling with suicide or depression, parents can model for their child that it is good to talk about serious emotional concerns with trusted adults and important to reach out to friends to have these conversations, too.

Support for Bereaved Families

Practical Information for Immediately After a Loss

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shares practical information to review immediately after a loved one's loss. 

Suicide Loss Survivors Handbook

The American Association of Suicidology offers resources for loss survivors.

Tips for Talking to Your Child About Suicide

Talking to kids about suicide can be challenging. However, creating a safe space to talk about suicide can save a child’s life.

Talking to Kids About Suicide

If there has been a recent suicide attempt in your family, this may be one of the toughest experiences you and your children may ever face. The MIRECC guide is intended to provide you with some of that support, and also share other resources that may be helpful for you now and as your family recovers.

Helping a Child Grieve the Death of Their Sibling

The death of a brother or sister is often defined as a before-and-after experience in childhood. The Dougy Center offers suggestions to help your child or teen in the days, months and years afterwards.

Surviving Your Child's Suicide

The Compassionate Friends share resources for those who lost a child to suicide.

9 Suggestions for Other Parents Who Have Lost a Child to Suicide

A parent shares nine suggestions for another parent who has lost a child to suicide.

From a Child Who Lost a Parent to Suicide

A child who lost his father to suicide just one month after his 10th birthday shares his story.

Suicide Support Communities

Alliance of Hope

The Alliance of Hope was created by survivors for survivors. As a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, we provide online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devastating loss to suicide.

Franklin County Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors

Franklin County LOSS provides suicide grief support in Columbus Ohio.

United Suicide Survivors International

United Suicide Survivors International is an independent international organization that serves as a home for people who have experienced suicide loss, suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts and feelings, and their friends and families — collectively known as people w/ lived experience with suicide – to leverage their expertise for large scale change.

Parent to Parent: After Your Child's Suicide Attempt

Caring for a child experiencing thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Click here to hear tips and encouragement from parents who have been in your shoes and the experts who supported their family's journey.

Resources for Schools, Providers and Community Partners

Black Youth Suicide Prevention - A Professional Resource

Learn about special considerations for suicide prevention in the black community.

After a School Suicide Toolkit

This free guide walks through best practices when creating policy for and responding to the death of a student from suicide.

Youth Suicide Prevention and Interventions: Best Practices and Policy Implications

We are excited to announce the publication of Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention: Best Practices and Policy Implications edited by John Ackerman, PhD, and Lisa Horowitz, PhD. This open access book focuses on the public health crisis of youth suicide and provides a review of current research and prevention practices.