During periods of overwhelming emotional distress or a sense of lost control, some people turn to self-harm as a way to cope. Also known as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), self-harm involves intentionally causing physical harm to oneself as a way to manage intense emotions.
Self-harm is distinct from a suicide attempt in that it typically occurs without the intent to die, though it is still associated with an increased risk of suicide if not addressed. It can also affect physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships. Self-harm is often linked to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and feelings of isolation.
With the right support, people can learn to manage distress and develop safer coping strategies that do not involve self-harm. Read on to learn about effective self-harm treatment options and how these approaches are incorporated into care at Guidelight.
If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
6 self-harm treatment options
Self-harm affects people of all ages. About 5 percent of adults in the United States report engaging in self-harm behaviors, and rates are higher among adolescents, with an estimated 17 percent reporting some form of self-injury. Regardless of age, treatment can help address both the behavior itself and the underlying emotional factors contributing to it.
Mental health providers may recommend one or more of the following evidence-based treatment approaches.
Mindfulness
When urges to self-harm arise, mindfulness can be a helpful alternative coping strategy. Mindfulness focuses on observing thoughts and emotions in the present moment without judgment.
This practice may help individuals notice self-harm urges without acting on them, increase emotional awareness, and build tolerance for distress. Common mindfulness techniques include breathing exercises, body scans, and walking meditation, often taught and practiced with the guidance of a mental health professional.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to identify and adjust unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and harmful behaviors, including self-harm.
Through CBT, individuals learn to recognize triggers, challenge negative thinking, and develop healthier coping skills to manage distress over time.
Dialectical behavior therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a structured approach that combines acceptance and change-based strategies. It’s often considered a leading approach to support people experiencing intense emotions and recurring self-harm urges, especially for adolescents and people with significant emotion dysregulation.
DBT focuses on building skills in areas such as:
- Distress tolerance
- Emotional regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
These skills can help individuals respond to emotional pain in safer, more effective ways.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
ACT focuses on accepting the negative thoughts and emotions you’re having as opposed to suppressing them. It also helps you to learn how to act in a way that supports the core values that make up who you are. When you’re trying to overcome self-harm, ACT can help you learn how to think flexibly when you’re facing triggers and be kinder to yourself.
Through ACT, you may reduce your self-harm behaviors by learning:
- Acceptance
- Defusion
- Values clarification
- Committed action
- Present moment awareness
Intensive Outpatient Program
Self-harm can be a serious concern that may require more support than traditional outpatient therapy alone. In some cases, a provider may recommend an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
An IOP offers structured treatment several days a week while allowing individuals to maintain daily responsibilities. At Guidelight, both in-person and virtual IOP options include therapy and skills-based support designed to help reduce self-harm urges, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships.
Partial Hospitalization Program
For individuals who need a higher level of structure but do not require inpatient hospitalization, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) may be recommended.
PHP provides intensive, daytime treatment during the week while allowing participants to return home each evening. Through individual and group therapy, along with medication management when appropriate, PHP supports deeper exploration of the factors contributing to self-harm and helps individuals build safer coping strategies.
Self-harm treatment at Guidelight
Self-harm is a serious coping behavior, but it is possible to learn safer ways to manage emotional distress. While some people benefit from outpatient therapy alone, others may need more structured support.
Guidelight incorporates evidence-based approaches to self-harm treatment into both its Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs. Care is designed to address emotional regulation, coping skills, and the underlying challenges contributing to self-harm behaviors.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about self-harm treatment or to schedule an initial evaluation. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our local clinics.