Hello – I’m Rebecca Lynne Ray, a licensed professional counselor who treats clients struggling with suicidal ideation, or SI. This comes with thoughts like: “Sometimes I just don’t want to be here.” or “I don’t want to wake up in the morning.” or “My life feels pointless.”
For many of us human beings, these thoughts and feelings are not a one-time occurrence. They may come at random times. They may leave for a while, only to return every few months or few weeks or even a year later.
From my point of view as a therapist and educator, the term persistent suicidal ideation doesn’t capture how varied individuals’ experiences can be, let alone help us understand why it’s happening to us or how it can be changed. That’s why I prefer to think of this PSI experience as a canyon. When you’re in this canyon, thoughts and feelings about ending your life can range from fleeting to more intense, depending on where you are in the canyon. The closer to the top you are, the less frequent or less intense they are. The further down you are, the more frequent or more intense they are.
To make your way out of the canyon of PSI, you need to do three things: stay, rest, and climb. My approach teaches how to safely leave this canyon experience – to individuals and safe keepers and helpers who want to make a difference for the millions of people who struggle with SI each year.
This is my mission today and you're welcome to contact me, so that we can begin to help more individuals who are struggling – to realize how much each person wants to live their unique, valuable and very worthwhile lives.
Programming & Events in 2026
Upcoming
Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) Annual Conference - Presenting topic: New insights on safety planning and reducing persistent suicidal ideation (PSI). Sept. 23-25, 2026.
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Minnesota Suicide Prevention Conference - Hope In Action: Building Community Connection To Prevent Suicide - Presenting topic: Safety planning and PSI. May 6-8, 2026. [Contact for slides or handouts.]
Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA) - Spring Conference 2026 - Presenting topic: New insights on safety planning and reducing persistent suicidal ideation. May 14-15, 2026. [Contact for slides or handouts.]
Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, Minnesota - Emergency Department In-Service - Lunch & Learn: New Insights on Safety Planning & Reducing Suicidal Ideation. Aug. 6, 2026.
COMING SOON: Stay, Rest, Climb
Your Practical, Hopeful Guide to Escaping the Canyon of Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
Resource for individuals coping with SI | Click to submit book interest | Details provided by email
My Training & Experience
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Missouri-licensed professional counselor (2018)
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Colorado-licensed professional counselor (2024)
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Two years as Crisis Worker/CW Mentor on National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now 988 hotline (Provident Behavioral Health St. Louis)
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Trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) through Living Works
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Trained in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
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Additional suicide-prevention and therapeutic training (see About)
2021: Studied at the University of Plymouth (United Kingdom) for post-master’s mental healthcare training in the areas of Emergency Mental Health Assessment (EMHA) for individuals in mental health crises; and intervention for Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) emergencies for expectant and new mothers.
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While training, I met with UK-based suicide prevention organizers to learn more about the National Health Service’s suicide-prevention initiatives, including the NHS Mental Health Implementation Plan, spanning from 2019-2024.
My Programs & Presentations
Presentation emphasis in 2026
Hands-on clinician and community-driven solutions applying new knowledge for upstream efforts (earlier intervention) with an emphasis on reducing persistent suicidal ideation, or PSI.
Please contact me for topics in perinatal mental health (e.g., postpartum depression and SI) and general SP topics, or custom programming.
Suicide prevention educator. Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC) and Missouri Department of Mental Health (MDMH). Topic: New Mothers in Crisis: Research findings and the perinatal period as a critical turning point for women’s mental health.
Suicide prevention educator. Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA). Annual conferences (4 years). Topics include suicide assessment, intervention and referral, treatment, suicide risk management.
Lifeguard and program support. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Soul Shop Suicide Prevention Training: Program for faith leaders in religious ministry (adults, youth, etc.).
Suicide prevention educator and affiliated provider. Heartland Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Consultants. Topic: New Mothers in Crisis, Perinatal Mental Health.
Suicide assessment trainer. Crime Victim Center (CVC) in St. Louis. Topic: Suicide Assessment & Intervention Training.
Suicide training and community presenter. Creve Coeur Counseling Associates (CCCA). Half-day training, topic: Working with clients who have thoughts of suicide. Community screening: Suicide: The Ripple Effect, local documentary screening, outreach and education. Presentation topic: New Mothers In Crisis, Perinatal Mental Health & Insights for Suicide Prevention.
"I'm aware of apprehension among clinicians when it comes to assisting individuals who experience suicidal ideation. New knowledge and insights about the role of safety planning and reducing SI are available. I've dedicated my efforts to helping bridge the gap between crisis intervention and sustained personal safety for individuals with SI." - Rebecca Lynne Ray, MA, LPC
My Involvement
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Steering Committee and Member - St. Louis Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition
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Member and Crisis Services Committee, supporting 988 rollout - American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
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Lifeguard, peer support and volunteer - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
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Member - Colorado Counseling Association (CCA)
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Member - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Colorado and Missouri
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Member - Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado (SPCC) l
Consultations, Speaking Inquiries or Request a full CV - Please contact me directly.
COMING SOON:
Stay, Rest, Climb
Your Practical, Hopeful Guide to Escaping the Canyon of Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
Click to submit your interest in this book, details to be provided by email.