Mental Health Intern Clinic Archives - A Naperville Counseling Center | Riverwalk Counseling | Therapy Services

What is it?

September is the month designated to draw awareness and attention to major public health concern of suicide. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the US. Over the past 20 years, suicide rates have been on the rise in every state in the US but Nevada, according to the CDC. In 2017, the CDC found there were more than twice as many suicides in the US as there were homicides. Millions of others have serious thoughts of suicide, have made plans or have attempted to end their life. The American Association for Suicide estimates, based on information from 2016, there’s a suicide attempt every 28 seconds.

What You Can Do?

Although there’s no single cause of suicide, one of the risk factors is social isolation. Reach out to people, engage them in conversation, help them know they aren’t alone. Steps we can all take to assist those in crisis:

Ask direct questions. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
Listen to their answers. People with suicidal thoughts often feel alone, so be sure to let them know you care about what they have to say. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
Do a safety check/keep them safe. Ask the person if they have a plan. Then try removing or disabling things they could harm themselves with such as alcohol, drugs, medications, weapons, sharps and even access to a car.
Don’t keep a secret/help them connect. Let them know you’ll help them come up with a plan that involves telling a professional who can utilize the many services and resources available to help.
Stay connected. Staying in touch after a crisis or after being d/c from care can make a difference. Studies show suicide deaths go down when someone follow up with at risk person.

If you know someone in crisis call lifeline 1 800 273 8255 or text the crisis text line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24-7. The deaf and hard of hearing can call via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.

If you find yourself struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, we are here to help. Please consider reaching out to us. We’re in your corner.

Written by,
Kandee Willis, LCPC

August Clinicians Connect

As a way to get to know the staff at Riverwalk at little better, we will be featuring a different clinician each month and talking about them. This month’s Clinician Connect is:

Dan Novak, Intensive Outpatient Coordinator

Dan began his internship at Riverwalk Counseling Center in May of 2018 while completing his Master’s of Clinical Psychology degree at Benedictine University. Coming on board as a clinician after completing his internship, he continued to grow his passion for the field of counseling and is very motivated to help his clients by going the extra mile to meet their needs. He is eager to meet every challenge that meets him and takes great pride in his work.

1. What influenced you to become a therapist?

“I became interested in helping others when I was a child. I grew up with an older brother who has special needs, and at a very young age quickly realized how poorly the world sometimes treats those of us who are different. My desire to advocate for, help, and protect him lead me down a path of eventually becoming a therapist.”

2. What did you do prior to your current role?

“I spent almost 19 years in the business world, but always believed there was something else out there for me. When my dad died of cancer in 2013, I decided to leave the business world and go back to college and pursue the career I always wanted as a child. I competed my bachelors is Psychology in 2016, my master’s in clinical psychology in 2019, and began working as a therapist in June of 2019.”

3. In what ways do you engage in self-care, including hobbies and leisure activities?

“Self-care is something everyone should engage in. I love sports, spending time outside, and hanging out with family and friends. One of my favorite hobbies, playing golf, combines these all three of activities and allows me to clear my mind for 4-5 hours. Laughter is another self-care activity I love to engage in. Whether it’s quoting a funny movie, telling a bad joke, or sharing a funny story. I truly believe laughter can often be the best medicine.”

4. What is a fun fact about you?

“I was ranked 19th in the state of Illinois in men’s one-meter springboard diving my senior year of high school.”

Mental Health Intern Clinic

National Suicide Prevention Month