Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-19 years old. Recent statistics indicate that one-in-four youth will have thoughts of suicide in a given year. Colorado has the 6th highest overall suicide rates in the nation; and about 800 Coloradans will die from suicide every year.
It is estimated that 4 of 5 people who complete suicide had tried to seek help. It is also estimated that 62% of people having suicidal thoughts did not seek treatment because they could not afford it.
With such alarming statistics, the need for affordable or free mental health services is overwhelming. The Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver (SWFMD) is a local non-profit that is working to reduce the incidence of teen suicide by providing free licensed counseling for youth at risk of suicide who can not otherwise afford these services.
“We work primarily through schools, but also through other agencies where there is a qualified referral source,” stated Kevin Shipley, Executive Director of the Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver. “We have over 115 licensed counselors that have experience working with youth at risk of suicide. They work from their own offices so they are in the community they are serving. Our objective is that no kid will have to travel more than 2 miles to see one of our counselors.”
SWFMD is focused on serving youth 19 years old and younger who are uninsured or underinsured to receive therapy, and strives to remove any barriers from these youth receiving immediate, frequent licensed counseling.
“Mental health is critical, especially for youth because they do not have the experiences or maturity that most adults have. With experience comes perspective,” added Shipley.
“Kids don't have the critical thinking ability until they are in their 20's, so however they are feeling today is how many think they will feel forever.”
According to the Second Wind Fund, on average it takes less than five therapy sessions to move the majority of youth away from suicidal thoughts. Second Wind provides at least 8 sessions with each youth in the program.
“Early intervention is our objective as timing is critical, that's why we work with school counselors and school mental health staff. We also work with several shelters and youth residential facilities. Last year we actively served over 300 schools and had over 500 kids referred to us. We have had almost ...