Alex Hains

Dr Alex Hains

BBSc, PGDPsyc, MPsyc(Clin), DPsyc(Clin)

Primary Research Focus:
Suicide Prevention

Works with:
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute


Alex Hains is the Regional Manager for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative – a multi-sectorial group working together to implement an evidence-based systems approach to suicide prevention. He is also an Honorary Fellow with the University of Wollongong and a Research Affiliate with the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.


His research has focused on suicide and self-harm prevention, psychosocial treatments for psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinically, he has specialised in working with people with complex trauma, psychosis and personality disorders. Alex has also developed and managed a number of mental health programs working with young people, families, and children. He is endorsed as a Specialist Clinical Supervisor and a member of the College of Clinical Psychologists.

He was the architect and manager of a very successful suicide prevention program for young people, which was listed as a finalist for the 2015 Illawarra Business Awards (Innovation) due to its evaluation systems and involvement of families.

Alex was an invited expert member of a Delphi study establishing best-practice guidelines for integrated crisis and aftercare for suicide and self-harm, and is also on the Drug and Alcohol Youth Treatment Services Advisory Group for NSW.

Research areas:
  • Adults
  • Children or young people
  • Target groups (CALD, LGBTI, Rural/remote, Lived experience)
  • Suicidal behaviour(suicidal ideation, suicidal risk, suicide attempt)
  • Mental health, mental ill health
  • Interventions
Available for:
  • Research opportunities
  • Funding
  • Innovative approaches to suicide prevention
  • Connecting with post-graduate candidates
  • Collaboration with Australian suicide prevention services, programs and resources
  • Support for discussions about suicide
Alex Hains
Dr Alex Hains

Primary Research Focus:
Suicide Prevention

Works with:
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute