CAMHS - Mental Health Support for Children & Young People

Vital support for children and young people struggling with mental health issues.

Quick summary

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) in the UK offers crucial support for children and young people facing mental health challenges.

It addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, providing services like therapy, crisis intervention, and collaboration with schools. Eligibility typically covers individuals aged 0 to 18.

Referral involves assessing the need, consulting professionals, and contacting the local CAMHS team. Self-referral is an option, and services are often available in schools. There might be a waiting list, and assessments guide personalised care plans.

Parents play a vital role in supporting their child during CAMHS treatment by being actively involved and fostering a supportive environment.

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS, or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, is an NHS service that provides support and treatment for children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties in the UK.

CAMHS professionals work closely with young individuals and their families to address their mental health needs and promote overall well-being.

What are the mental health issues that CAMHS addresses in children?

CAMHS addresses a wide range of mental health issues in children, including:

Anxiety
Depression
Self-harm
Eating disorders
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Autism spectrum disorders
Behavioural difficulties

CAMHS professionals are trained to provide support and treatment for these and other mental health concerns in children and young people.

What kind of support does CAMHS offer?

CAMHS offers a variety of support services to children, young people, and their families, including:

Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
Individual therapy and counselling
Family therapy and support
Group therapy and support groups
Medication management, if necessary
Crisis intervention and emergency support
Collaborating with schools and other professionals involved in the child’s care
Providing information and Psychoeducation (an approach that integrates elements of cognitive-behaviour therapy, group therapy, and education) to children, young people, and their families
Referrals to other specialised services, if needed

CAMHS support services are tailored to meet each child’s or young person’s unique needs and aim to promote their mental health and overall well-being.

CAMHS eligibility

Eligibility criteria may vary, but generally, CAMHS supports individuals aged 0 to 18 (or up to 25 for those with learning disabilities or in care).

CAMHS referral guide

If you believe that a child or young person may benefit from the support and services provided by CAMHS, follow these steps for a referral:

Assess the need

Evaluate the child or young person’s mental health concerns and determine if CAMHS intervention is appropriate. Consider factors such as the severity of symptoms, impact on daily functioning, and duration of the issue.

Consult with professionals

Discuss the case with other relevant professionals involved in the child’s care, such as teachers, social workers, or healthcare providers. Gather additional information and insights to inform the referral decision.

Contact your local CAMHS team

To find the contact number for CAMHS in your area, you can visit the NHS website or contact your local NHS trust. They will be able to provide you with the specific contact information for CAMHS services in your region. Reach out to the CAMHS team via phone or email to initiate the referral process.

Provide detailed information

When making the referral, ensure you provide comprehensive and accurate information about the child or young person’s mental health concerns, including any relevant medical history, previous interventions, and current symptoms. This will assist the CAMHS team in assessing the referral promptly.

Involve parents or guardians

Seek consent from the child’s parents or legal guardians before making the referral. Inform them about the purpose and potential benefits of CAMHS involvement, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Follow up

After making the referral, maintain communication with the CAMHS team to ensure the referral is processed and to address any additional information or documentation they may require.

Timely and accurate CAMHS referrals can help ensure children and young people facing mental health difficulties receive the appropriate care and assistance they need.

Self-referral to CAMHS

Self-referral to CAMHS is the process by which a child or young person directly contacts CAMHS to seek support for their mental health concerns. By making a self-referral, individuals can take the initiative to access the services and resources provided by CAMHS without the need for a referral from a healthcare professional or another agency. This approach allows individuals to proactively seek the help they need to address their mental well-being.

CAMHS services in schools

CAMHS services are often available in schools. Many schools have partnerships or collaborations with CAMHS to provide on-site mental health support for students. This can include access to CAMHS professionals such as counsellors or therapists who can offer assessments, counselling sessions, and other mental health interventions directly within the school setting.

Having CAMHS services available in schools helps to ensure that students can easily access the support they need for their mental well-being.

CAMHS waiting list

CAMHS may have a waiting list due to the high demand for mental health support. The waiting list is a queue of individuals waiting for their initial assessment or treatment.

Waiting times vary based on urgency, resource availability, and local demand. Stay in contact with CAMHS and inform them of any changes or increased urgency. CAMHS prioritises individuals based on severity to ensure prompt attention.

While waiting, explore other resources like trusted adults, helplines, school counsellors, or local mental health organisations.

CAMHS assessment

A CAMHS assessment involves gathering information to understand a child or young person’s mental health concerns. It helps determine appropriate support and treatment options.

During the assessment, the child, along with their parents or guardians, will be asked about their symptoms, history, and relevant factors. It may include interviews, questionnaires, and observations.

The assessment aims to understand the individual’s needs, strengths, and challenges, guiding the development of a personalised care plan.

Be open and honest during the assessment for an accurate evaluation and to receive appropriate support from CAMHS.

How can parents support their child while they are receiving CAMHS support?

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children during CAMHS treatment. Here are some ways to provide support:

Be an Active Listener: Create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and emotions. Listen without judgment and show empathy.
Educate Yourself: Learn about your child’s mental health condition to better understand their experiences and advocate for their needs.
Communicate Openly: Encourage open conversations about their feelings and concerns. Regularly check in with them and let them know their voice matters.
Collaborate with CAMHS: Attend appointments with your child and actively participate in the treatment process. Share relevant information and work together to develop a comprehensive plan.
Encourage Self-Care: Teach your child the importance of self-care and healthy coping strategies. Support their engagement in activities they enjoy.
Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a nurturing home environment with healthy routines and open communication channels.
Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery takes time. Encourage perseverance, celebrate progress, and remind them setbacks are part of the journey.

Your support as a parent is invaluable. Together with CAMHS, you can make a positive impact on your child’s mental health and well-being.