Audiology Australia (AudA) has developed a guide to help its members best support clients with suicidal thoughts or deteriorating mental wellbeing.
The six-page document is in response to members expressing concern about how to recognise signs of suicidal ideation and how to respond to ensure these clients are linked to appropriate crisis or mental health support.
The guidance aims to provide best-practice recommendations of what audiologists can do to best support their clients.
“In an audiologist’s line of work, clients are seen over long periods of time, forming strong therapeutic relationships built on trust,” AudA said.
“Sometimes this can mean that a client feels safe sharing personal challenges that extend beyond hearing health. In some cases, this can include disclosures of emotional distress, deteriorating mental wellbeing, or even suicidal thoughts.
“When this occurs, the audiologist may unintentionally become an incidental counsellor during an appointment.”
AudA said these situations could be confronting and create uncertainty about the appropriate clinical and ethical response.
“This document was created to guide members through these delicate situations to ensure they are providing best care,” AudA said.
Moral obligations and self-care
Leanne Emerson, AudA CEO, said: “While audiologists are not mental health professionals nor mandated mental health reporters under law, there is a clear moral obligation for audiologists to respond to confidential disclosures of this nature in a safe, supportive, and appropriate manner.
“This guidance document aims to provide best-practice recommendations of what audiologists can do to best support their client.”
Emerson said audiologists also needed to be supported.
“Events like this can also affect the mental health of the audiologist providing the service,” she said.
“It was important for us to highlight that the step encouraging the audiologist to take care of themselves is just as vital as the steps providing recommendations on how the audiologist can best support their client.”
The document, entitled ‘Responding to Suicidal Ideation in Clients’:
- Outlines how to respond in a supportive, safe, and appropriate way to fulfill moral obligations as allied health professionals.
- Aims to ensure clients receive timely, appropriate care while also supporting the wellbeing of audiologists.
- Focuses on:
- Recognising and responding to signs of distress
- Clarifying immediate risk to the safety of the client
- Listening and showing empathy
- Encouraging immediate support
- Knowing referral pathways for support
- The importance of notification and documentation
- Taking care of yourself.
In February 2026 Audiology Australia launched other wellbeing member benefits that aim to help its audiologist members navigate personal and professional challenges in the workplace.
Download Responding to Suicidal Ideation in Clients (log-in required.)
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Anyone experiencing any form of crisis or issues relating to mental health, can call Lifeline 24/7 (13 11 14), Beyond Blue 24/7 (1300 22 4636) or SANE Australia (1800 187 263) or visit their websites, lifeline.org.au/, beyondblue.org.au/or sane.org/.
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Deaf community assistance: Connect to the National Relay Service and ask to be put through to Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Call TTY (teletypewriter) on 1800 555 677 and ask for 1300 22 4636. Chat to a counsellor online at beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
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Anyone experiencing domestic or family violence can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). See also 1800respect.org.au/.
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