The acronym CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which are the specialized services provided by the National Health Service (NHS) across the United Kingdom. These services are the main source of statutory support for young people experiencing mental health difficulties that are severe or complex enough to require expert intervention. The overall aim of CAMHS is to assess, treat, and support children and adolescents whose mental health struggles significantly impact their daily life, schooling, and relationships.
Defining Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
CAMHS is structured as a multidisciplinary service, bringing together a range of medical and mental health professionals to offer comprehensive care. This workforce typically includes psychiatrists, psychologists, specialist nurses, social workers, and various psychological therapists who collaborate to create personalized treatment plans. The fundamental mission of CAMHS is to provide specialized assessment and intervention for mental health problems that are beyond the scope of general practitioners (GPs) or school-based counseling services. The services are designed to manage moderate to severe mental health difficulties that require intensive, expert-led care.
This makes CAMHS a secondary or tertiary level of service, focusing on complex presentations rather than universal or early intervention support. The specific types of therapies and support offered by CAMHS are varied, encompassing options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication management.
Who CAMHS Serves and What Conditions They Treat
CAMHS generally provides support for children and young people up to their 18th birthday, although the exact age limit can vary slightly between local NHS trusts and specific services. In some areas, services may begin the transition process to adult mental health services (AMHS) from the age of 16, or extend support up to age 25. Common issues treated include moderate to severe depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and self-harm associated with a mental health difficulty. CAMHS also addresses complex presentations like early-onset psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe functional impairment arising from trauma or neglect.
CAMHS is not typically the first point of contact for all mental health concerns. Mild or transient emotional distress, behavioral issues that do not meet the threshold of a mental illness, or common developmental difficulties are often handled by less specialized services like school counselors or primary care providers.
How to Access CAMHS Services
The primary way to access CAMHS is through a professional referral. In most cases, the young person’s General Practitioner (GP) is the most common first step, as they can assess the situation and submit a formal referral. Parents, carers, or the young person should first discuss their concerns with a professional like their GP, school nurse, or a teacher to initiate the process.
Referrals can also be made by other professionals involved in the young person’s care, such as school staff, social workers, or youth offending teams. The process typically involves a detailed referral form that outlines the nature of the difficulties, the impact on daily life, and any previous support that has been attempted. A centralized Single Point of Access (SPA) or triage team then reviews the referral to determine if the young person meets the specific criteria for specialist CAMHS support.
Some local CAMHS services offer a direct referral option, where young people or their parents can refer themselves without going through a professional. However, this variation is not universal, and checking the local service’s specific policy is necessary to ensure the referral is accepted. For situations considered urgent, such as an active risk of suicide or acute psychosis, the referrer should contact the CAMHS urgent care team directly, or emergency services if there is an imminent threat to life.