- Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a behavior in which an individual inflicts physical harm on themself to relieve emotional distress.
- NSSI can take many forms: cutting, picking, burning, bruising, puncturing, embedding, scratching/hitting, etc.
- Approximately 4% of the U.S. population uses NSSI as a way of coping.
- NSSI is most common among adolescents and young adults, with an age of onset between 12-14 years old.
- Individuals who self-injure are often secretive about their behaviors and may hide their wounds.
Source: psychologytoday.com
Tips for supporting a patient who engages in NSSI:
- Demonstrate listening and empathy
- Remain non-judgmental
- Avoid using stigmatizing language such as referring to self-harming behavior as “attention-seeking”
- Provide resources and educational materials related to self-harm
- Help the patient to identify alternative, healthier coping strategies and encourage use of same when experiencing urges to self-harm
- Suggest developing a safety plan: what they might do to keep themselves safe, identifying triggers, and who they can reach out to, etc., instead of self-harming.
- Continually monitor and assess the severity of a patient’s self-harm and their risk for suicide
Source: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Resources:
| Program Name | Contact Information | Program Description |
| BH Link | (401) 414-LINK | A 24/7 clinical triage line and community-based walk-in facility which connects adults to immediate behavioral health services and recovery support. |
| Kids' Link RI | 1-855-543-5465 | A 24/7 clinical triage line to connect children and youth in need of mental health services to care and resources during a crisis. |
| Child and Family Intensive Treatment (CFIT) | Contact BCBSRI for referral information: 1-800-274-2958 | Provides individual, family, and/or group therapy, medication consultation/management, home and community-based supportive services, and case management services to at-risk youth with moderate/severe psychiatric symptoms. |
| Mindful Teen | (401) 432-1081 | An outpatient program with a focus on dialectical behavior therapy for youth who engage in high-risk behaviors. Also provides 24/7 coaching for crisis intervention. |
Behavioral Health Case Management program highlight
The BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management program is staffed by experienced mental health and substance use professionals who can provide education and support, assist with coordination of care, and help to close gaps related to social determinants of health.
Behavioral Health Case Managers are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To refer a patient to the program, please call 1-800-274-2958 or email triage_group@bcbsri.org.
You may also use our automated referral form at BCBSRI.com by following these easy steps:
1. Log on to the provider portal of BCBSRI.com.
2. Click on Tools and Resources.
3. Click on Forms.
4. Click on Case Management Request.
5. Complete the required fields and click Go!
For additional information, please contact Monica Ross at monica.ross@bcbsri.org.