January isn’t the peak for suicide, but when pressure builds. River’s Bend urges early, targeted outpatient care to prevent rising distress from becoming spring crisis.

(PRUnderground) January 6th, 2026

While January is commonly misrepresented as the “peak month” for suicide, behavioral health experts at River’s Bend in South East Michigan are urging the public and professionals to recognize a more accurate, and equally urgent, reality.

“January is when the pressure begins to build,” said Bruce Goldberg, President of River’s Bend. “It’s not always a crisis yet, but the emotional and psychological load is mounting. By spring, that pressure often turns into a clinical crisis if it goes unaddressed.”

This phenomenon, dubbed the “crisis curve” by Goldberg and Clinical Director Jessica Hillen, reflects the post-holiday period when clients often experience growing distress, relapse risk, or emotional dysregulation. River’s Bend, a leader in evidence-based outpatient behavioral healthcare for nearly 30 years, is calling on referral partners and community professionals to recognize early warning signs and accelerate access to targeted outpatient care.

Key Factors Driving the January Mental Health Surge

While not always immediately visible, several compounding stressors frequently surface in January:

• Post-hospitalization vulnerability: Clients returning home from inpatient or ER care often lack supportive follow-up.
• Holiday substance use: Festive drinking can tip into dependency.
• Teen stress: Students returning to school face renewed academic and social pressures.
• Financial strain and grief: The emotional and financial toll of the holidays can quietly deepen after the new year.

“These aren’t isolated issues,” Hillen explained. “They intersect and compound. That’s why early intervention is critical.”

Targeted Intensive Outpatient Programming, Not One-Size-Fits-All

Many referring professionals, school counselors, therapists, EAPs, face a frustrating gap in care: generalized outpatient programs that aren’t clinically or culturally matched to client needs. River’s Bend addresses this with track-specific Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, including:

• Trauma-informed IOPs (e.g., women’s and men’s trauma groups)
• Dual diagnosis tracks for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
• Adolescent and young adult groups emphasizing peer support
• Flexible daytime, evening, and virtual schedules

“Group cohesion skyrockets when clients are surrounded by peers who truly understand them,” said Goldberg. “It’s the difference between dropping out and staying the course.”

Let’s Open the Valve Early Before Spring Crisis Hits

“January isn’t the peak, it’s the pressure cooker,” said Goldberg. “If we open the valve early with timely, structured care, we can prevent the escalation we too often see in spring.”

River’s Bend invites healthcare professionals, school staff, and community partners to schedule consultations and learn more about their specialized outpatient services.

About River’s Bend P.C.

Founded in 1995, River’s Bend is a nationally accredited outpatient behavioral health clinic specializing in evidence-based treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. With a deep commitment to compassionate care and community support, River’s Bend provides personalized treatment programs including IOP, PHP, and specialty services for adolescents and families.

To explore partnership opportunities, connect with our Business Liaison today.
Together, we can strengthen the behavioral health workforce and support those who support everyone else.

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Original Press Release.