Accessing support for clients at risk

 

Once an assessment is complete and you have sufficient input from the client on what they think will be helpful to them, you can then determine the next steps in accessing support for the client.

Some reflective questions to consider for next steps:

  • What can I do to increase this person’s safety?
  • Does this patient 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?

 

Accessing support: Services available for referrals for suicidal clients

In an emergency

If you believe your patient is in immediate danger, here are some 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’s emergency department

For further information and services please visit our Get help with professional support page.

 

Police welfare checks

If you are in contact with a client who is not physically with you, but you are concerned for their immediate safety, you can contact the police and report your concern for your client. A police welfare check occurs when a report is made about an individual who is in some sort of peril. The welfare check involves police officers going to the person’s residence to determine the safety of the individual.

 

Individual requiring urgent assessment or treatment

Acute Community Intervention Service (CATT Victoria)

The Acute Community Intervention Service are part of the national Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT).  They provide 24 hour, seven days a week urgent assessment and short-term treatment services for people experiencing a serious mental health crisis and for whom there are safety concerns. CATT provides crisis contact for GPs, mental health professionals and other community services.

Often they will come out to you and many are contactable 24 hours a day by telephone. They can arrange assessment and professional counselling with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or mental health trained nurse. The CATT service also provides treatment and support for people whose acute mental illness can be managed in the community as an alternative to hospitalisation.

 

Psychiatric triage

Psychiatric triage provides phone consultation, advice, assessment and referral for people experiencing mental health issues. The service is also provided to health professionals and carers who are concerned for somebody with mental health issues.

The service is staffed by a team of experienced senior mental health clinicians who provide advice, consultation, assessment and referral.

 

Individuals requiring immediate support

SuicideLine 1300 651 251

SuicideLine counsellors provide specialist telephone counselling and information to anyone affected by suicide. This service is for anyone thinking about suicide, carers of someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can provide this number to clients to ensure they can access professional counselling and support.

Help them to help themselves

Provide educational materials, self-help materials, and other resources, such as websites, where patients can learn about how to help themselves. The SuicideLine Victoria website is a great place to start.

 

Suicide risk: General considerations for health professionals

  • 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

It is important when you are managing suicidal clients to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

  • Obtain professional supervision
  • Debrief
  • Seek colleague support
  • Self-reflect

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