This program is designed to provide patients, with low to moderate risk of suicide or self-harm, access to short-term therapeutic support. It is not suitable for high risk patients. These patients should be referred to one of the crisis support services found below.
As of 1 July 2024, individuals aged 14 years and over who are considered at low to moderate risk of suicide or self-harm are entitled to one referral for up to 10 sessions per calendar year under an SOS referral.
SOS referrals expire 12 months from the date of referral so sessions can be spaced out, to ensure patients receive ongoing support throughout the year. SOS providers will have the ability to refer patients to other relevant mental health services after available sessions have been completed, if further support is needed. No re-referrals will be possible in a calendar year.
Who is eligible for SOS and how can they access it?
Those eligible for this service are put in contact with a provider within 3 working days from referral date. This service can support people aged 14 years and above and interventions can include family members and/or carers of the person being referred. Family or friends considered at risk in the aftermath of suicide are also eligible for the service.
People who are at high risk of suicide, who present under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who are experiencing psychosis are not appropriate referrals for this service.
A GP (or in some cases psychiatrist or paediatrician) referral is needed to access this service.
GPs are asked to carefully assess patients, and consider the suitable care options available such as our other Psychological Therapy Service (PTS) streams and our Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health)Pop Up service.
Crisis Support
All Hours Suicide Support Service
Formerly named the ‘ATAPS After Hours Suicide Support Line’, the All Hours Suicide Support Service (AHS) is a specialised service designed to complement allied health professionals working within our Psychological Therapy Services program.
AHS provides support to clients who are low-to-medium risk of suicide 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring all clients have access to professional support around the clock.
AHS offers intermittent and short term professional telephone counselling for individuals who are at a low to medium risk of suicide, when their usual allied health professional is unavailable. The service can also support an individual as an outpatient, or when they are in the process of linking with a Psychological Therapy Services registered allied health professional.
Individuals participating in the Psychological Therapy Services program can call the hotline on 1800 859 585 at anytime. In order for participating patients to receive outbound calls, a GP or participating allied health professional should refer that patient via email to the service at least twenty four hours prior to when the first call is due.
Referral forms and further information can be found online or by contacting 1800 859 585.
Suicide Call Back Service
Individuals who require support but are not participating in our Psychological Therapy Services program can contact the alternate Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or visit www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
If you need help now, please call either Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Emergency on triple zero (000).
