Improving aftercare for young regional people at risk of suicide

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Psychiatrist and clinical academic, Associate Professor Mathew Coleman has received funding from Suicide Prevention Australia as part of a collaborative effort to investigate how young people at risk of suicide can be better supported following contact with Emergency Departments.

A team of researchers from WACHS, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital, the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and Youth Focus will trial evidenced-based therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques for those with an acute mental health crisis.

The research will take place in Geraldton, Albany and Perth and assess how these intervention techniques work across different regional, metropolitan and cultural settings to identify the gaps between clinical and community aftercare.

The study will also review mental health services in the community, examine wait-list times and identify what other factors are impacting a young person’s ability to access these services.

Mathew is pleased to see this collaborative research introducing evidenced-based interventions into regional areas.

“We know there is room to improve child and adolescent mental health service in country WA and this project will ensure we are providing the best outcomes for young people living in the regions through evidenced-based, best practice,” he said.

With a strong emphasis on the benefits of young people engaging in quality aftercare within the community, the study will aim to reduce the rate of youth suicide by improving the mental health care for those living within regional Western Australia.