During the client assessment, gather information from the client on what they feel will be helpful to them. This will help determine the next steps in accessing support.

Some reflective questions to consider for next steps:

• What can I do to increase this person’s safety?
• Does this person need to be hospitalised?
• Who else does this person see as being helpful and trustworthy?
• Who else can I involve in the ‘helping’ team for this person?
• For occasions where I am unavailable, what support is available?
• What does this person think will be helpful for them?

 

For more on assessing whether a client is thinking about suicide, see our resource on Completing a Risk Assessment.

 

Accessing support: Services available for referral of suicidal clients

In an emergency

If you believe your client is in immediate danger, there are options available:

• Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line and be ready to answer the operator’s questions.
• Attend the local hospital emergency department.

 

 

Police welfare checks

If you have immediate safety concerns for a client who is not physically with you, contact the police and report your concerns. Police will perform a welfare check to determine the safety of the individual.

 

Acute Community Intervention Service

The Acute Community Intervention Service (ACIS) provides 24 hour, seven days a week urgent advice, referral and treatment to people experiencing a serious mental health crisis. Operating out of Victoria’s area mental health services, an ACIS response can be initiated through telephone triage, emergency department care, and acute assertive community outreach. Please refer to the ACIS website for more information.

 

Psychiatric Triage Service

Each public mental health service in Victoria provides a Psychiatric Triage Service offering triage and referral 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is also provided to health professionals and carers who are concerned for somebody with mental health issues. Please refer to your local public health service for more information. You can also visit the Victorian Department of Health website for further details.

 

Helplines

SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251

SuicideLine Victoria offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to free 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline is a free confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

 

More services

For further information on services available, please visit our Get help with professional support page.

 

General considerations for health professionals

Here are some factors to consider when accessing support for someone who is at risk of suicide:

• Use clear definitions to identify, document and discuss suicidal behaviours.
• Understand personal beliefs, stigma and myths about suicide.
• Involve families and friends in the management of a suicidal client.
• Recognise that the relationship between clinician and client is an important factor in the management and treatment of suicidality.
• Advise clients that exceptions to confidentiality include circumstances where a client is judged to be at imminent risk of harm.

 

Professional self-care

Self-care is an important consideration when managing clients with suicidality. Ways to ensure professional self-care include:

• Undertaking professional supervision
• Debriefing

• Seeking support from colleagues
• Self-reflection.

 

SuicideLine Victoria provides 24/7 support and debriefing to professionals who are caring for clients at risk of suicide. Call us on 1300 651 251.

 

In an emergency, call 000.