Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

What to expect from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (UK)

Do you feel your child needs to see a psychologist or have specialist mental health advice? To be referred to a specialist service, you will often first need to see your GP. In some parts of the UK, referrals can be made by schools or families can even self-refer.You can find out by searching for the word “CAMHS” and your area online.

If you are concerned about a possible Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) your child will usually be referred to Community Paediatrics if under 18 years. For those over 18, a referral to adult services will be needed.

Worries about mental health such as depression or eating disorders in under 18-year-olds are usually referred to CAMHS. 

Waiting times for both services can be long due to demand. Any referral needs to explain what has already been tried, such as support from the school nurse, health visitor or local counselling. A letter from the school and/or from parents and carers detailing what they have noticed can be really helpful as well.

Waiting for CAMHS; information for 11-18-year-olds and their families

As waiting times are constantly shifting, are different in each area and depend on the individual problem, we, unfortunately, cannot offer estimates for how long you will have to wait to see a specialist.

If you live in the South-West UK, scroll down to find information on your local CAMHS services.

When will CAMHS see children more quickly?

• Eating disorders, especially in younger children
• Serious suicidal thoughts or other concerns about risk.
• Problems with bonding in infancy especially if mum has postnatal depression.
• Psychosis (see link for definition)

Local CAMHS

Please contact us if you work for CAMHS and would like to help us add your area