Suicide Prevention Resources for Families

At Little Otter, we understand the profound impact suicide has on families. With suicide being the second leading cause of death in children 10-14 years old, we're committed to providing resources that offer guidance and support.

Our top priority is to ensure that every child receives the care they need when they need it most. Learn how Little Otter can support your family today.

Content Warning: This page contains information related to suicide and mental health topics that may be distressing or triggering. Please take care while reviewing these resources. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources:

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 | Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678

R E P O R T

The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in children 10-14 years old, and rates have been rising for decades. In this eye-opening report, Little Otter shares its data on over 1,400 children ages 3-14 years old who completed a developmentally-sensitive, two-stage screening for suicide risk and treatment.

Understanding that children as young as 5 years old experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors at rates similar to teenagers and adults is crucial.

Download the full report to:

  • • Gain a deeper understanding of childhood suicidality

  • • Understand how virtual childhood suicide risk screening is feasible

  • • Learn how Little Otter helps children with suicidality get better

Discussing the Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5

L I V E F I R E S I D E C H A T

September 19th | 12:00pm ET

In this important fireside chat, join Dr. Helen Egger, Dr. Pia Houseal, and Amy Kennedy as they discuss critical findings from Little Otter’s recent report, "The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5.”

When to Worry: Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Children

Our ‘When to Worry’ blog series is designed to empower caregivers with the knowledge to recognize early signs of self-harm and suicidal ideation, what to do about it, and when it’s time to seek professional help.

Resources for caregivers

Equip yourself with essential tools to protect your child’s well-being. Download our free resources to learn actionable strategies for preventing self-harm and creating a safe environment at home.

Find more information and support on our blog

Get support for your family by joining Little Otter today.

At Little Otter, we screen every child for suicide risk using evidence-based screening tools and interventions.

If we identify increased suicide risk, we schedule an appointment within 24 hours. During that appointment, children get connected with developmentally sensitive, evidence-based treatment that includes safety planning and ongoing assessment and monitoring of suicide risk. 75% of children with positive suicide risk in care at Little Otter showed clinically significant improvement after 12 or more sessions.