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.

Professionals Who Specialize in Self-Harm/Suicidality

Chanan Davis, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $220 - $220 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Chanan Davis, LMFT stays committed to using powerful actionable healing modalities to help his clients reduce suffering and improve their lives.


"Multifaceted and Flexible: I draw from a wide range of powerful therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual. My approach is goal-oriented, yet deeply intuitive and attuned. I look beyond surface symptoms to explore underlying issuesβ€”like trauma, nervous system …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $165 - $165 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky is a Frum Therapist, LMHC in New York


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Becky Fenton, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, PsyD

  • In-office West Hempstead, NY
  • $300 - $350 Per Session
  • 1 review

Becky Fenton, PsyD, seamlessly integrates CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, executive function coaching & more to effectively support her clients.


"In my therapeutic approach, I seamlessly integrate proven methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, psychodynamic and relational therapy, Mindfulness Training, and executive function coaching. This eclectic blend allows me to effectively support …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • I accept insurance

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 …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🎨 Creative

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T

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

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $100 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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, …

  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Levi Rapoport

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $150 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second-guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution.


"I believe deeply in human potential and one’s ability to see oneself beyond their behaviors and thoughts. Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution. …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, LCSW-C

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only
  • $200 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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 …

  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only
  • $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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 …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Ember Health Williamsburg

Safe, effective IV ketamine care for people seeking relief from depression

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • 5 reviews

Ember Health offers IV ketamine for depression, including MDD and bipolar depression, with culturally sensitive care for the Jewish community.


"Ember Health provides IV ketamine treatment for depression, supporting patients living with Major Depressive Disorder as well as the depressive state of Bipolar Disorder. Every new client begins with an in-office orientation visit with one of our physicians, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Yaakov Diner, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  • Remote only
  • $175 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yaakov Diner is a frum psychiatric medication provider integrating therapy, medication management, & more to support healing, resilience, & wellness.


"My approach is deeply holistic and highly individualized. I believe true healing happens when we consider the whole person β€” mind, body, and environment β€” so I take into account psychological patterns, physical health, social dynamics, cultural identity, …

  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas, NV
  • $175 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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 …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem
  • $200 - $250 Per Session

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


"My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🧘 Calm

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

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

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,…

Full Article

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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