Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of ending one’s life, which may range from fleeting distress to persistent, active planning. These thoughts often arise from overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness, or trauma. At his Boston-based practice, Dr. Joe Gallego offers confidential, trauma-informed psychiatric care to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, providing both immediate support and long-term healing.
Dr. Joe Gallego is a board-certified psychiatrist who treats teens and adults facing suicidal ideation, depression, and related mental health concerns. His approach is warm, respectful, and collaborative. He meets patients where they are and helps them build safety, stability, and purpose at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
Dr. Gallego conducts a thorough evaluation to understand the roots of suicidal ideation, assess risk, and identify co-occurring conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, or substance use. He creates a safe space for patients to share their experiences without fear of judgment. For teens, family collaboration is included when helpful to strengthen support systems.
If there is an active risk of harm, Dr. Gallego provides clear, compassionate safety planning, including resources, emergency contacts, and crisis management strategies. His goal is to reduce immediate risk while ensuring the patient feels respected, empowered, and not alone.
After stabilizing immediate risk, Dr. Gallego develops a personalized treatment plan that addresses underlying emotional pain, trauma, or neurochemical imbalances. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, and coordination with family or other care providers to promote healing and reduce future risk.
Therapy helps patients identify core emotional struggles, process past trauma, and build coping skills. Dr. Gallego uses evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and supportive psychotherapy tailored to each patient’s needs and comfort level.
In cases of severe depression or mood instability, medication may help regulate emotional distress and reduce suicidal thoughts. Dr. Gallego carefully discusses treatment options, monitors progress, and adjusts medication based on each individual’s goals and experiences.
Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts due to academic pressure, social stress, identity development, and trauma. Dr. Gallego offers age-appropriate care that validates their experiences and promotes healthy communication and emotional safety.
Suicidal ideation affects individuals from all walks of life. Dr. Gallego provides inclusive, culturally responsive care for LGBTQ+ patients, people of color, neurodivergent individuals, and those impacted by systemic or interpersonal trauma. His practice prioritizes dignity, safety, and agency in every interaction.
Dr. Gallego offers in-person care for individuals seeking support for suicidal ideation. Face-to-face visits allow for a deeper therapeutic connection and real-time safety assessment. Contact the office for confidential consultation and availability.
If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, compassionate and expert help is available. Dr. Joe Gallego provides nonjudgmental psychiatric care to help you find stability, hope, and a way forward. Reach out today to begin the healing process.
