Suicide prevention is often treated as a matter of prediction. Many traditional approaches focus on identifying risk factors, assessing severity, and determining the likelihood of harm. While this has its place in clinical care, it is only one part of a much larger picture.
In developing our suicide prevention policy at SQPsych in Mount Gravatt, we took the time to step back and explore the broader landscape. Drawing on clinical psychology training, Lifeline and Mental Health First Aid frameworks, peer discussions, and current research, one thing became clear. There is no single, universally accepted approach. Instead, there are multiple perspectives that each contribute something valuable.
Some models are heavily centred on risk prediction. These approaches aim to categorise and quantify risk in order to guide intervention. Others take a more holistic view, recognising that suicide prevention is not solely the responsibility of the individual clinician. It is something that involves families, communities, and the wider healthcare system.
There are also structured frameworks, such as the STARS model developed at Griffith University, which provide practical guidance for assessment and response. While these frameworks are highly regarded, access to formal training can be costly and not always feasible for smaller clinics.
For us, it became clear that a purely prediction focused model was not the right fit. Instead, we chose to adopt a community based approach to suicide prevention.
This approach acknowledges that people do not exist in isolation. Their wellbeing is shaped by relationships, environments, and systems of care. Rather than placing the burden of prevention on one clinician or one moment in time, a community based model encourages shared responsibility.
At SQPsych, this means integrating support across multiple levels. Our policy draws on guidance from the World Health Organization, alongside national, state, and local resources such as Brisbane South PHN. It also emphasises the importance of connection and communication.
Open dialogue is at the centre of what we do. We aim to foster clear and ongoing communication between clients, clinicians, families, and referring practitioners. This allows concerns to be identified earlier, responses to be more coordinated, and individuals to feel more supported.
It also means recognising the importance of clinician wellbeing. Supporting people through distressing experiences requires emotional capacity, time, and appropriate boundaries. A sustainable approach to suicide prevention must include care for those providing the support as well.
In practice, our role is to create opportunities for intervention, offer consistent and compassionate care, and contribute to a broader network of support. We do not see suicide prevention as something that can be solved through prediction alone. Instead, we see it as an ongoing, shared effort that benefits from collaboration and connection.
We know that General Practitioners, families, and community services all play a vital role in this space. By working together, we can provide more comprehensive and responsive care to those who need it most.
Suicide prevention is complex. There is no perfect model. But by broadening the lens beyond prediction and embracing a community approach, we believe we can make a meaningful difference.
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