Tips for Managing Risk

Managing clinical risk is something that we need to be aware of in working with clients via telehealth, just as we would when working with clients face-to-face and working in this mode requires some adjustments.

 

What is the client required to provide to My Mirror when accessing our service?

Clients on My Mirror are required to provide their name, contact number, email address and postcode when signing up on the platform. 

At their discretion, clients can also add next of kin details (including phone number) to their profile. 

This information is accessible on the client's profile at all times.

In line with a client centred approach, if your client has not added next of kin details, we recommend requesting this in session and guiding them through this process as you discuss the possibility of risk management should it arise in therapy.

What to do if you are concerned about an elevated level of clinical risk

If you are concerned about an elevated level of clinical risk at any time, it is your clinical responsibility to ask your client to share with you their current location and an appropriate emergency/support contact details at the time. 

Please note, that if a client refuses to share their location you can share the client’s mobile number (accessible in the in session/video page and on their profile) with emergency services if required. 

Find a crisis service relevant to the client's location (identifiable by their postcode in profile or more accurately from their reported location at the time) or utilise appropriate emergency services - Nationwide Mental Health Crisis Lines

Suicide Risk Screener - As with all clients, assessment and management of risk will require your own clinical skills and judgement (as a guide view link to the Suicide Risk Screener).

You may direct the client to call a support person, a crisis line, call 000 or present to their nearest emergency department or, contact a support person or service on the client's behalf, depending on what you deem to be most appropriate.

 

Document and record risk

Risk assessment and management details should be accurately documented in the client's case notes.

Risk and our Customer Success Team

In situations that our CS team is likely to be contacted or involved, please provide them with a brief update via [e-mail] or by calling 02 9090 4730. 

Please remember, our CS team is not trained to conduct client check-ins related to risk or crisis. Such check-ins and clinical follow ups are the responsibility of the treating psychologist. You may reach out to the clinical team on [e-mail] if you need guidance.