I'm so glad you wrote in for help because that says that you are acknowleding that your daughter has a problem and needs help immediately. I'm glad to hear that you've tried many different things to help her. Please know that it's not uncommon for a teen to lie about self injury and therefore not get the help they really need when they go to counseling. Don't give up because there are still options available that you can and should try.
You mentioned that you have already tried counseling. Have you only tried one person? If you have only consulted one, it's well worth it to give a different one a try. It's very important that you find someone that specializes in teens and if possible someone that has worked extensively with teens that self-injure. Try speaking with the counselor first to let them know what's going on and include your daughter's history of little improvement. Usually school counselors have local community counselors they would feel comfortable referring their students to. If you haven't tried that route, I would encourage you to do that. The counselor your daughter worked with previously just may not have been a good match for your daughter. Therapy can be very effective if the connection is right.
I know it's hard to control your daughters environment all the time, but make sure that you remove all possible methods that your daughter uses to cut with. It's ok to search her room and get rid of any razors or glass she may use. Of course it's almost impossible to prevent her from getting something at school to cut with, but at least you can feel fairly secure that she is safe while at home.
I know it may be tough, but also ask your daughter if she has had suicidal thoughts. If she says yes and has a plan you need to take her to your local emergency room immediately to get an evaluation.
If you feel as if you need to try something totally different, you should look into an inpatient treatment facility in your area. Depending upon where you live, a day treatment program for depression may also be an option.
If you need any referrals or just need to talk to someone about the next step in helping your daughter, please feel free to call our hotline at 1-800-448-3000. It's free and confidential and we have a national database so we could help you look for something local. You may also want to give your daughter our phone number. We talk to teens everyday that have a history of cutting and/or suicidal thoughts. There's also a great website called To Write Love on Her Arms. The web address is
www.twloha.com. They are a website dedicated to empowering teens and adults to stop cutting. Check it out.
You don't have to go through this alone, so please keep reaching out for help. We hope to hear from you.
Take Care,
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000.