Embracing the Complexities of Jewish Self-Harm and Suicidality

Welcome to our dedicated space for exploring and supporting the Jewish community in navigating the profound and complex experiences of self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content that look into the nuanced realities faced by Jewish individuals and families dealing with these issues, offering insights and guidance from experts within the community.

The Unique Considerations of Self-Harm and Suicidality in the Jewish Community

The Jewish community, with its rich cultural and religious traditions, faces unique challenges when it comes to the complex issues of self-harm and suicidality. Within this tight-knit community, factors such as stigma, communal expectations, and the interplay between spirituality and mental health can all contribute to the unique landscape of these behaviors.

Jewish individuals and families may grapple with the balance between traditional beliefs, which can sometimes view mental health struggles as a sign of weakness, and the need for open, compassionate dialogue and access to appropriate support services. The desire to maintain a strong communal identity and adhere to cultural norms can also create barriers to seeking help and addressing these sensitive topics.

Furthermore, the Jewish community's history of trauma and persecution can deeply impact the manifestation and understanding of self-harm and suicidal tendencies within this population. Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced, culturally sensitive approach that honors the unique experiences and needs of the Jewish community.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish mental health professionals, community leaders, and individuals who have personal experiences to share. These resources provide a compassionate and comprehensive exploration of this profound and often misunderstood issue.

A Cry for Help: Understanding the Darkness

**Trigger warning - This article discusses the desire to commit suicide and how to intervene. It is written in the form of a 1st person account of one who is…

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Fun Therapy

BS"D While the traditional formats of therapy have their place and are certainly important, there are plenty of fun ways you can find healing. Most of these are best done…

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My self-harm urges are way out of control.

This is a trigger warning question: My self-harm urges are way out of control. My therapist and psychiatrist are aware of this, but l'd like to hear what a mental health…

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1-1 Breakthrough Session

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Professionals Who Specialize in Self-Harm/Suicidality

Nesivos Behavioral Health

Hope starts here.

  • In-office Toms River, New Jersey

Nesivos Behavioral Health provides mental health care with tailored treatments for addiction, trauma, and more, rooted in Jewish values and sensitivity.


" Nesivos Behavioral Health provides a range of programs tailored to meet diverse mental health needs. Their Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are designed for individuals requiring structured support for addiction, substance abuse, and other …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering

Toby Diamond, LMHC, CASAC-T

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Toby Diamond, LMHC's therapeutic philosophy is trauma-informed. She helps her clients understand how their past experiences impact their present selves.


" At the core of my therapeutic philosophy is a commitment to being a trauma-informed practitioner. I conscientiously consider any adverse or traumatic experiences individuals may have faced, aiming to create a secure environment for the courageous work ahead. …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas, Nevada

Elliott Blitenthal is a Frum Therapist in Queens


" My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and personalized to each client’s unique needs. I work holistically, combining mind and body, using modalities like EMDR, parts work (IFS-inspired), mindfulness, and CBT tools. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic …

  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🎯 Direct
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 💪 Challenging

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, uses an integrative approach, including CBT, DBT, IFS, & more to help her clients find immediate relief & create lasting change.


" I use an integrative approach, weaving together multiple modalities to create a uniquely tailored experience for each individual. My extensive training includes CBT, DBT, IFS, and ACT, as well as utilization of psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and play …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 💪 Challenging
  • 🎨 Creative

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only

My aim is to provide a supportive environment where authenticity and compassion flourish, enabling us to work together towards your self-defined goals.


" In therapy, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust. With a directive and strengths-based approach, I am focused on goal attainment and solutions, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to navigate life's …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 🤝 Collaborative
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 😃 Humorous

Shabsi Sorscher, LSW

Therapist, Licensed Social Worker

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

Shabsi Sorscher. LSW, helps clients navigate anxiety, relationships, life transitions, & personal growth using a strength-based & solution-focused approach.


" My approach is rooted in respect, warmth, and nonjudgmental support. I believe that every individual has strengths and resilience, and my role is to help clients recognize and build upon them. Through collaboration, we identify the coping strategies …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 💡 Solution-oriented

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, LCSW-C

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, helps his clients build a foundation of self-support and empowerment themselves while they get "unstuck" & move towards healing & growth.


" Wouldn't it be great if your therapist didn't just listen to you, but helped YOU listen to yourself? You know, that part of yourself that gets lost among all your responsibilities and commitments and social media and stress …

  • 👂 Listener
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Yitzchok Wagshul, Ph.D.

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Yitzchok Wagshul, Ph.D. acknowledges the myth of a "one size fits all" approach & brings a diverse array of therapeutic techniques to help each client heal.


" One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s no “one size fits all” in psychotherapy, because every person has their own personality and life experience. I respect that, so I’ve put in a lot of time …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 👂 Listener
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm

Chaim Fishof

Porn Sex Love Lust & Fantasy Addiction Recovery & Trauma

  • In-office Far Rockaway, New York

Chaim Fishof is a Jewish recovery coach guiding clients to heal from addictions using trauma-informed, 12-step, and somatic modalities for growth & healing.


" My coaching philosophy is simple: clarity and simplicity are key to achieving success. I’ve seen too many people struggle in recovery, and my mission is to change that. I work with my clients to transform their health as …

  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🙏 Spiritual
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker & CASAC-T: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T, helps individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, & life challenges through a compassionate, client-centered, & practical therapy approach.


" My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a genuine commitment to meeting you where you are. As a client-centered therapist, I specialize in supporting young adults and adults as they navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, …

  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Rivky Weiss

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Rivky Weiss is a Frum Therapist in Brooklyn


" My therapy style is warm and compassionate. I focus on listening to your story and helping you hear your story as well so that you can develop self-compassion as well. I am trained in various trauma modalities including …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎯 Direct
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Devorah Leah Knobloch, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Devorah Leah Knobloch, LMSW takes a client-centered approach, allowing you to guide the direction of therapy in the way you feel will be most helpful.


" I believe every individual is the expert on their own life. With that in mind, I take a client-centered approach, allowing you to guide the direction of therapy in the way you feel will be most helpful. For …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Strategies for Supporting Jewish Individuals Struggling with Self-Harm and Suicidality

Addressing self-harm and suicidality within the Jewish community requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the cultural, spiritual, and social factors that shape the experiences of this population. Effective interventions must honor the unique challenges faced by Jewish individuals and families and offer tailored solutions that address their specific needs.

This may include:

  • Culturally competent mental health professionals who understand the nuances of the Jewish experience and can provide sensitive, holistic care
  • Support groups and community-based resources that foster a sense of belonging and understanding among Jewish individuals and families
  • Educational initiatives that destigmatize self-harm and suicidality within the Jewish community and promote awareness of available resources
  • Integration of traditional Jewish practices and beliefs into mental health treatment and crisis support

By adopting a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach, we can empower Jewish individuals and families to navigate the complexities of self-harm and suicidality with greater resilience, self-compassion, and overall well-being.

Cultivating Holistic Healing and Communal Support

Fostering holistic healing and communal support for Jewish individuals and families struggling with self-harm and suicidality requires a deep understanding of the interplay between mental health, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs. This involves seeking guidance from professionals who have extensive experience working with the Jewish community and are committed to providing culturally sensitive, integrative care.

Through a combination of evidence-based mental health interventions, community-based resources, and the incorporation of Jewish traditions and practices, Jewish individuals and families can address the multifaceted challenges they face. This can include access to culturally competent support groups, integration of spiritual practices into their care plan, and the cultivation of strong support networks within their community.

By prioritizing the unique needs and experiences of the Jewish community, we can empower Jewish individuals and families to achieve optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This can lead to improved mental health outcomes, enhanced family and community connections, and a greater sense of empowerment and resilience within the Jewish community.

It is important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the Jewish experience to their work.

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Self-Harm/Suicidality within the Jewish community.

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