Survivors of Suicide

Survivors of Suicide Memory Garden Video
Survivors of Suicide Memory Garden Video
True
Survivors of Suicide
Survivors of Suicide

It is estimated that more than 50,000 deaths by suicide occur in the United States each year.  Each suicide death leaves multiple survivors, individuals who have experienced the death by suicide of a family member or a friend.  Survivors must deal not only with their grief but also with a myriad of other overwhelming feelings, such as confusion, guilt, anger, shame, and hurt.  The survivor's ability to cope may also be confounded by the responses of friends, family members and others in the community - well-meaning people who may say hurtful things or place unrealistic expectations upon survivors, or who even may deny the event in its entirety.  As a result, survivors are typically overwhelmed and frequently feel very much alone.

To the Survivor:  This is the hardest thing you'll ever have to do.  Though you may not think so now, you can survive.  Know that you are not alone.  We provide a variety of services for survivors of suicide, including counseling, a survivor's support group, and a newsletter.  We would like to help.

New Survivor Booklet - 2nd Edition
Crisis Center Survivors of Suicide brochure

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the New Survivor Booklet or the Crisis Center Survivors of Suicide brochure, please contact the Crisis Center at 352-264-6789.

True
Counseling
Counseling

Counseling is available - at no cost - for all survivors of suicide.  Survivors can be seen individually, as couples, or as entire families.  And counseling is available for children.  For further information or to schedule an appointment, call 264-6792.

Seeking Counseling After the Suicide of a Loved One

If you are interested in receiving a copy of "Seeking Counseling After the Suicide of a Loved One", please contact the Crisis Center at 352-264-6789.

True
Survivors of Suicide Support Group
Survivors of Suicide Support Group

Many survivors find it helpful to talk with others who have also experienced the suicide death of a loved one.  The Survivors of Suicide Support Group provides survivors with the comfort and support that comes from connection with other survivors.  All persons who have been touched by suicide are invited to attend support group meetings as little or as often as they wish. 

The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  If you are interested in joining the group or for further information, please call Ariel Drescher, Case Management Coordinator, at 352-264-6761.”

False
News
News

Check this section for information about upcoming events which may be of interest to survivors. 

False
​​ 

Contact

  • Crisis Center
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6789
  • TDD/TTY: 352-955-2449

Numbers Available 24/7

  • Crisis Line
    352-264-6789

    National Suicide Hotline
    1-800-SUICIDE
    (1-800-784-2433)

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK
    (1-800-273-8255) 

    Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio
    1-888-628-9454

    Rumor Control
    352-264-6557
​​

Staff Contact Information

  • Alexandra Martinez, Ed.S., LMFT
  • Director
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6792
  • Fax: 352-264-6703
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Kevin Sosa, LMHC
  • Training Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6781
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Hannah Dykehouse, Ed.S.
  • Project Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6790
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Ashley Bobroff
  • Volunteer Program Supervisor
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6779
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Vacant
  • Clinical Community Specialist
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6780
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Ariel Drescher, Ed.S., LMHC
  • Case Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6761
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Amanda DiLorenzo-Garcia, Ph.D
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6791
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Vacant
  • Mobile Response Team Specialist
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6790
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Kelley Pace
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6782
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
​​​​​​​​​