This article describes a parasuicide service in a south London hospital. Members of the parasuicide team screen all deliberate self-harm patients to assess the continuing risk of suicide; whether the patient is suffering from a mental illness; & to try to determine why the patient harmed themselves. The aim of the service, through initial contact & follow-up, is to help patients find more productive ways of coping with their problems. A case report illustrates how the service operates. (6 refs.)