- About Us
About KVC
KVC Kentucky is a 501(c)3 nonprofit child welfare and behavioral healthcare organization that provides mental and behavioral health services, family preservation and reunification, and other family-related services.
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Overview
Each year, KVC serves over 20,000 children and families across Kentucky! At KVC Kentucky, there is strong emphasis in the therapeutic implementation of evidence-based therapy, assessments and programs.
- Services
At KVC, we want every child and adult to be safe & connected to a strong family and a healthy community. We’re proud to be a leader in innovative, effective and compassionate care.
Innovative, evidence-based mental and behavioral health services delivered virtually, in the home and in the communities of our clients.
Family First Prevention and Reunification Services
Clinical services designed to help strengthen families and keep children safely at home or reunify children who have been removed to foster care or other residential treatment settings.
Learn More about family first prevention and reunification services
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KVC Kentucky Resources
Explore our free resources designed to keep you informed and supported. From mental health, parenting guidance and updates on how KVC Kentucky is helping build stronger, healthier communities, these tools are here to help you and your family thrive.
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- Training
KVC Kentucky Training
KVC Kentucky provides professional training and continuing education that promote best practices in behavioral healthcare and child welfare across the state.
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Self-Harming
Self-Harm Support | Understanding Self-Harming and How to Get Help
Self-harming (also called self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury) is when someone intentionally hurts or injures their body. A person may do this because they believe physical pain will relieve emotional pain or distress. While self-harming behaviors are sometimes linked to suicidal thoughts, self-harm is not always an attempt to end one’s life. It is, however, a serious sign that someone is struggling and in emotional pain and may need self-harm support or mental health care.
Why People Self-Harm
There isn’t one single reason why people self-harm. It can be connected to past or current trauma, emotional distress or other mental health needs. Reasons may also change over time.
Some common reasons people self-harm include:
- Trying to cope with intense emotional pain
- Expressing distress, anxiety or depression physically
- Punishing oneself or attempting to regain a sense of control
- Distracting from painful thoughts or memories
- Seeking a release or temporary relief
- A cry for help or a way to signal emotional overwhelm
Common Forms of Self-Harming
Self-harm can take many forms. Some of the most common include:
- Cutting or scratching the skin
- Burning or hitting oneself
- Piercing or poking the skin with sharp objects
- Banging the head or body against hard surfaces
- Pulling out hair
- Picking at wounds or scabs
- Swallowing harmful objects
Arms, legs and the torso are common areas where self-harm occurs, but it can happen anywhere on the body.
Signs and Symptoms
People who self-harm often try to hide their behavior. It’s important to watch for possible warning signs:
- Frequent or unexplained cuts, bruises or scars
- Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather
- Keeping sharp objects nearby
- Frequent “accidents” or injuries
- Emotional withdrawal or increased isolation
- Low self-esteem or expressing feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty managing emotions or relationships
- Impulsive or unpredictable behavior
What You Can Do to Help
If you believe someone is self-harming, your calm support can make a difference.
- Seek professional help immediately. A licensed mental health provider can assess the situation and provide treatment and support
- Take all suicidal statements seriously. If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or intent, call 911 or 988 right away
- Stay calm. Avoid yelling, blaming, or shaming. Responding with care helps build safety and trust
- Encourage healthy coping skills. Suggest activities that relieve stress like art, journaling, walking, yoga, music or mindfulness
- Keep communication open. Let them know you’re available to talk and that you care about their safety and wellbeing
KVC Kentucky Can Help
KVC Kentucky provides outpatient behavioral health services for children, teens and adults experiencing self-harming behaviors or other emotional challenges. Our team uses evidence-based therapies to help clients learn safer coping strategies, manage distress and build resilience.
Our clinicians are trained in:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to identify and change harmful thought patterns
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness
- CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality) to reduce self-harm and suicidal risk through collaboration and safety planning
Each person’s treatment plan is individualized to their needs and focuses on long-term emotional stability and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harming or thoughts of suicide, call KVC Kentucky at (859) 254-1035 to speak with a behavioral health professional.
Additional Resources for Support in Kentucky
- Call your or your child’s primary care provider or find a local Kentucky Community Mental Health Center at chfs.ky.gov
- Call KVC Kentucky at (859) 254-1035 for outpatient therapy and assessment
- Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
- Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call NAMI Kentucky at 1-800-257-5081 or visit namiky.org for local mental health support
- Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America at adaa.org
- Learn more about self-harm and emotional wellness at childmind.org