- 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.
- Impact
- Get Involved
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
- Resources
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.
- Events
- 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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Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat live at 988lifeline.org. For immediate suicide prevention help, trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide confidential support.
According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2024 approximately 48,800 people died by suicide in the United States averaging nearly 1 death every 11 minutes. Suicide remains a critical public health issue and continues to be one of the leading causes of death for young people, following its ranking as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34 in 2023.
Youth Suicide (2024–2025 Latest Data)
National (United States)
• In 2024, among adolescents aged 12–17, 10.1% reported serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, 4.6% made a suicide plan and 2.7% attempted suicide. These figures are based on the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). 2024 NSDUH Adolescent Suicide Data (SAMHSA)
Compared to earlier years (2021–2023), the percentages of adolescents with serious suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts declined through 2024, though suicide remains a major public health concern. SAMHSA
National Suicide Deaths (Preliminary 2024):
• Preliminary CDC data indicate that the overall U.S. suicide rate for all ages in 2024 was about 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people, based on provisional counts. AP News Report on 2024 U.S. Suicide Rates
Kentucky Suicide Trends (2025 Survey Data)
Youth Risk Behavior (2025 — Kentucky)
• According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of high school students reported seriously considering suicide within the past 12 months. Kentucky Suicide Prevention & YRBS Data (KY Dept. of Education)
• Additionally, 17.4% of Kentucky middle school students reported seriously considering suicide at some point in their lives. Kentucky Suicide Prevention & YRBS Data (KY Dept. of Education)
Suicide is reported as the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults in Kentucky. Kentucky Department of Education
Key Notes on 2024–2025 Trends
• National adolescent self-report rates (serious thoughts, plans, attempts) come from the 2024 NSDUH, published in mid-2025. SAMHSA
• The Kentucky state figures are from the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey report issued by the Kentucky Department of Education. Kentucky Department of Education
• National suicide death data for 2024 are provisional, with final CDC mortality statistics typically released with a delay. AP News
Suicide Misconceptions
A prevalent misconception is that individuals who contemplate or attempt suicide invariably have a diagnosed mental health disorder. However, recent data challenges this assumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of individuals who died by suicide did not have a known diagnosed mental health condition at the time of death CDC. This underscores the complexity of suicide, indicating that mental health conditions are not always present or recognized.
Moreover, suicide is influenced by a multitude of factors beyond mental health disorders. Contributing elements include:
- Relationship problems or loss
- Substance misuse
- Physical health issues
- Job-related stress
- Financial difficulties
- Legal challenges
- Housing instability
- Experiences of violence or trauma
- Social isolation or lack of connectedness
Understanding these diverse risk factors is crucial for developing effective suicide prevention strategies and providing comprehensive support to individuals at risk.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide remains a major public health crisis nationally and in Kentucky. Families across the country and state are affected as suicide continues to be a leading cause of death across all age groups.
Suicide Risk Factors
Factors that can increase suicide risk in youth include:
- Prior suicide attempts or family history of suicide
- Exposure to trauma, abuse or bullying
- Mental health conditions like depression and mood disorders
- Substance misuse
- Chronic pain or physical illness
Knowing the Warning Signs
Look for verbal signs like talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or being a burden. Behavioral signs include mood swings, withdrawing from friends and family, increased substance use, changes in sleep or appetite and risky behavior.
Preventative Steps
- Show them they matter.
- Help them connect with positive support like community groups or sports.
- Create safe, judgment-free spaces to talk.
- Teach healthy coping and stress management skills.
- Encourage professional help before crisis.
If someone is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential, free support anytime. Accessing suicide prevention help early can save lives.
How KVC Kentucky Can Help
KVC Kentucky assesses suicidal ideation and concerns using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and provides effective treatment through evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
If you are worried about a child or teen struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health needs, don’t wait—call us at (859)-254-1035 to learn about services near you.
Additional Resources
- Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America at adaa.org
- Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 800-950-6264 or visit nami.org
- Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
- Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
- Learn more about youth suicide and mental health from the Child Mind Institute