Background

The Department of Health and Ageing has provided funding to the Melbourne General Practice Network to pilot the ATAPS Suicide Prevention Service.
This no-free service will provide intensive psychological support over an eight week period to assist patients assessed by their GP as being at increased risk of self harm or suicide.

This pilot service will be available to patients from January to June 2012.

Target Group

This service will be available to patients referred via their GP’s, and who:

• have been discharged into to GP care following release from hospital or emergency services for an attempted suicide or self harm;
• GP’s deem at increased risk of suicide or self harm but do not warrant referral to an emergency service (see GP Referral Flowchart).

What the service provides:

• Free counselling sessions with a Psychologist (credentialed in Suicide Prevention) over an 8 week period.
• Contact with the patient within 24 hours of referral. Intake interview with patient and follow-up liaison with GP within 72 hours of referral.
• 24 Hour Support/Referral via the After Hours Support Service (1800 859 585)
• Formal liaison between Psychologist and GP regarding ongoing patient support and referral throughout the service.
• Option of referral for ongoing counselling via the Better Outcomes in Mental Health service if needed, following completion of the 8 week service.

Referral Process

GP’s can make referrals to the service:

• during business hours (8.30-4.30pm) to the Clinical Services Manager at MGPN by secure fax 9348 0750 utilising the ATAPS Suicide Prevention Referral Form or telephone 9347 1188;
• outside business hours, via the After Hours Support Service on telephone 1800 859 585 or www.crisissupport.org.au/ATAPS-After-Hours-Support-Service.html#MLA
  

Resources for GP’s

• ATAPS SPS Flier
• GP Referral Flowchart
• GP Referral Form
• Referral after Business Hours – ATAPS After Hours Support Service 1800 859 585 www.crisissupport.org.au/ATAPS-After-Hours-Support-Service.html#MLA 
• AISRAP Protocol Suicide Risk Assessment
• SPS Patient Info Sheet

Resources for Hospitals

• Hospital Referral Flowchart

Resources for Patients

Your first appointment – service and location details

After Hours Support Service: telephone 1800 859 585 www.crisissupport.org.au/ATAPS-After-Hours-Support-Service.html#MLA

More Information

MGPN Fax referral line: 9348 0750
Contacts:
Julie Borninkhof, Acting CEO & Executive Manager - Clinical Services
Alison Clements, Mental Health Program Officer (Psychologist)
Telephone 9347 1188