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Suicide is an ugly word, and an even uglier reality. Compared to adults, teenagers are less likely to recognize when they are feeling suicidal, and less likely to talk to an adult about it.

From 1999 to 2016, Colorado has seen an increase of suicides at a rate of almost 35%, which sadly lands our state in the top 10 for teen suicide rates nationwide. Grace Counseling’s therapists are not content to accept this, and so we take action for change. We passionately educate others about the warning signs of suicidal behavior, educate ourselves on the most effective treatments, and partner with other organizations to provide counseling to those who otherwise would be unable to afford it.

What is Second Wind Fund?

Second Wind Fund is a local non-profit, founded in 2002 after a Jefferson County high school lost several students to suicide in one school year. They work by accepting referrals, usually from school counselors, social workers, or psychologists, and then pairing the teen in need with a licensed professional qualified to help them. If someone does not have adequate insurance, Second Wind Fund covers the cost of up to 12 sessions, so finances do not get in the way of high quality treatment.

Second Wind Fund + Grace Counseling

This statement from Second Wind Fund’s website succinctly describes why several of Grace Counseling’s therapists have chosen to partner with them: “The Second Wind Fund (SWF) helps children and youth at-risk of suicide by connecting them with experienced, licensed therapists when they have no other access to such care. When reading statistics about youth suicide it is important to remember the simple fact that treatment works and recovery is possible.”

Dr. Amy King, Psy.D., Sarah Harrison, LMFT, and Stephanie Ratner, LCSW have several things in common: they are all licensed clinicians who see teens in their practice, they are passionate about ending suicide at all ages, they have a heart to help the broken hearted, and they have a desire to serve the community. That’s why they knew that partnering with the Second Wind Fund was a decision they wouldn’t regret. SWF states that their mission is to, “decrease the incidence of suicide in children and youth by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment.”

That’s a mission we at Grace Counseling can get behind. We encourage you to educate yourself on the warning signs of suicidal behavior, and if your teen is showing these signs, talk to your school counselor to see if your child is eligible to benefit from the Second Wind Fund.