Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide specialist mental health assessment, treatment and support for children and young people experiencing significant emotional, psychological, behavioural or psychiatric difficulties. CAMHS services form part of the wider children and young people’s mental health system in the UK, working alongside GPs, schools, community services, social care, hospitals and other healthcare professionals.

The exact structure of CAMHS varies between local NHS areas. Some services provide community-based assessment and therapy, while others include specialist eating-disorder teams, neurodevelopmental services, crisis support, liaison psychiatry and inpatient care. The wider NHS terminology increasingly uses Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), although CAMHS remains a widely recognised term for specialist services.

For parents, carers and young people, understanding what CAMHS does, who can access it, how referrals work and what happens after referral can make the process considerably easier to navigate.

What Are Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services?

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are specialist services designed to assess and support children and young people whose mental health difficulties require more specialised intervention than can usually be provided through universal or early-help services.

CAMHS may support young people experiencing conditions or difficulties including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Persistent low mood

• Panic attacks

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Self-harm

• Suicidal thoughts or significant suicide risk

• Eating disorders

• Psychosis

• Severe emotional dysregulation

• Significant behavioural difficulties

• Complex trauma

• Some neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric difficulties

• Complex difficulties involving several conditions at the same time

The level of support depends on the child's individual circumstances. Specialist CAMHS generally focuses on difficulties that are sufficiently severe, persistent, complex or functionally impairing to require specialist mental health intervention.

Importantly, CAMHS is not a single identical service across the UK. Eligibility criteria, referral pathways, age ranges, available therapies and the way teams are organised can differ between local NHS providers.

Who Can Access CAMHS?

CAMHS generally supports children and young people below the age of 18, although the precise age range depends on the local service.

For example, NHS England guidance covers CAMHS facilities for children and young people up to 18, while individual NHS Trusts may specify different operational age limits or arrangements for transitioning into adult services.

A young person's circumstances are usually considered alongside:

• Age and developmental stage

• Severity of symptoms

• Duration of difficulties

• Impact on education or employment

• Impact on relationships and family life

• Physical health

• Risk of self-harm or suicide

• Behavioural concerns

• Previous interventions

• Existing diagnoses

• Family circumstances

• Safeguarding concerns

• Neurodevelopmental needs

• The level of support already available

This means that having a particular diagnosis does not automatically guarantee acceptance by a local CAMHS team. Equally, a young person does not necessarily need a formal diagnosis before their mental health difficulties can be assessed.

What Mental Health Problems Can CAMHS Help With?

Anxiety and Panic

Anxiety is common during childhood and adolescence, but persistent or severe anxiety can interfere with education, relationships, sleep, family life and everyday activities.

CAMHS may become involved where anxiety is substantial, persistent or associated with significant functional impairment.

Difficulties may include:

• Generalised anxiety

• Social anxiety

• Separation anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Specific phobias

• School-related anxiety

• Avoidance behaviours

• Excessive reassurance seeking

Assessment considers the young person's symptoms in context rather than simply identifying individual anxious thoughts.

Depression and Persistent Low Mood

Depression in children and adolescents can present differently from depression in adults.

Possible signs include:

• Persistent sadness

• Irritability

• Loss of interest

• Withdrawal from friends

• Changes in sleep

• Changes in appetite

• Reduced motivation

• Declining school attendance

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Hopelessness

• Self-harm

• Suicidal thoughts

NICE guidance recommends appropriate assessment of depression in children and young people, with particular attention to risk and the intensity of symptoms.

Where severe depression is accompanied by a high risk of suicide, urgent specialist assessment is required. NICE quality standards state that children and young people in this situation should be assessed by CAMHS professionals within a maximum of 24 hours of referral.

Self-Harm

Self-harm can involve intentional injury or other behaviours that cause harm to the individual.

It may occur alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, eating difficulties or other mental health problems.

A CAMHS assessment may explore:

• What happens before self-harm

• The frequency and severity of episodes

• Suicidal intent

• Triggers

• Emotional regulation

• Family and social circumstances

• Protective factors

• Previous support

• Immediate safety concerns

The purpose is not simply to identify the behaviour but to understand the underlying needs and develop an appropriate safety and treatment plan.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have serious psychological and physical consequences.

Specialist services may support young people experiencing conditions such as:

• Anorexia nervosa

• Bulimia nervosa

• Binge-eating difficulties

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

• Other clinically significant eating difficulties

Depending on local arrangements, eating-disorder services may operate as dedicated specialist teams rather than through the main community CAMHS team.

Trauma and PTSD

Children and adolescents can experience psychological difficulties after:

• Abuse

• Neglect

• Violence

• Serious accidents

• Bereavement

• Domestic abuse

• Bullying

• Medical trauma

• Other frightening or overwhelming experiences

Trauma-related symptoms can include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness, emotional distress and changes in behaviour.

Assessment considers both the traumatic experience and its continuing impact on the young person.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD can involve intrusive unwanted thoughts, images or urges together with repetitive behaviours or mental rituals.

For some young people, OCD can interfere significantly with school attendance, family relationships and everyday activities.

Specialist assessment can determine the severity of symptoms and identify appropriate psychological intervention.

Psychosis and Severe Mental Health Difficulties

CAMHS may also support children and adolescents experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms such as:

• Hallucinations

• Delusional beliefs

• Severe thought disturbance

• Significant behavioural changes

• Severe mood disturbance

• Marked deterioration in functioning

These presentations require careful assessment because mental health symptoms can overlap with physical health, substance use, developmental and environmental factors.

How Does CAMHS Work?

CAMHS commonly operates through a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Depending on the service, professionals may include:

• Child and adolescent psychiatrists

• Clinical psychologists

• Mental health nurses

• Psychotherapists

• Family therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Social workers

• Specialist practitioners

• Support workers

• Other healthcare professionals

Different professionals contribute different expertise. A psychiatrist may assess psychiatric symptoms and medication needs, while a psychologist may provide psychological assessment and therapy. Family therapists may focus on relationships and family dynamics, while nurses and other practitioners can provide ongoing clinical support.

The exact composition varies by service.

CAMHS Referral Process: How to Get Help

The CAMHS referral pathway differs according to location.

In some areas, referrals can be made by GPs, schools, health professionals or other professionals. Some areas also permit self-referral by young people or parents. Other services require a professional referral.

For example, Oxford Health currently provides self-referral routes in some areas, while other local services use different referral arrangements.

What Happens After a CAMHS Referral?

A referral does not necessarily mean that treatment starts immediately.

The local CAMHS service may first screen the referral and consider:

• The nature of the presenting problem

• Severity

• Duration

• Risk

• Functional impairment

• Previous treatment

• Existing services

• Complexity

• The young person's developmental needs

• Whether another service is better placed to provide support

Some services use a Single Point of Access (SPA) to receive and triage referrals. Somerset CAMHS, for example, describes its SPA as a team that receives referrals, assesses presenting needs and directs young people towards the most appropriate CAMHS or third-party service.

A referral may therefore result in:

1. A CAMHS assessment

2. Advice or consultation

3. Referral to another specialist service

4. Referral to an early-help service

5. Signposting to community support

6. Urgent assessment where risk is high

What Happens During a CAMHS Assessment?

A CAMHS assessment aims to develop a detailed understanding of the young person's difficulties rather than relying on a single symptom or diagnosis.

The clinician may discuss:

Emotional wellbeing

The assessment may explore mood, anxiety, fears, emotional regulation and changes in behaviour.

Thoughts and feelings

The young person may be asked about distressing thoughts, intrusive experiences, hopelessness or other psychological symptoms.

Daily functioning

Clinicians may consider:

• School attendance

• Academic performance

• Friendships

• Family relationships

• Sleep

• Eating

• Personal care

• Hobbies

• Social activities

Risk

Depending on the presentation, clinicians may ask about:

• Self-harm

• Suicidal thoughts

• Suicide attempts

• Risk from others

• Substance use

• Safeguarding concerns

• Vulnerability

Family and developmental history

The assessment may consider early development, family circumstances, significant life events, education and previous mental health difficulties.

Strengths and protective factors

A good assessment should not focus exclusively on problems. It can also identify:

• Supportive relationships

• Interests

• Personal strengths

• Coping strategies

• Educational engagement

• Family resources

• Future goals

West London NHS Trust describes an initial CAMHS assessment as an opportunity to understand the young person's experiences, strengths, challenges and mental health needs, while also considering the appropriate involvement of family or other support networks.

Confidentiality in CAMHS

Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with children and young people.

A clinician will generally explain how information is handled and when information may need to be shared.

Confidentiality may be limited when professionals believe information needs to be shared to protect the young person or another person from serious harm, or where safeguarding requirements apply.

The precise arrangements depend on the circumstances, the young person's age and capacity, professional responsibilities and applicable law.

Young people should be encouraged to ask directly:

• Who will see my information?

• What will you tell my parents or carers?

• When would information have to be shared?

• Can I speak to the clinician privately?

• How are my records stored?

West London NHS Trust specifically states that CAMHS clinicians explain confidentiality and circumstances in which information may need to be discussed with others to help keep someone safe.

What Treatment Does CAMHS Provide?

Treatment is determined according to the individual's needs rather than using one standard intervention for every young person.

Depending on the condition and local service, treatment may include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT can help young people understand relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

It may be used for several mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Family Therapy

Family therapy considers relationships and communication within the family system.

It may be particularly useful when family interactions, communication patterns or wider family circumstances are relevant to the young person's difficulties.

Individual Psychological Therapy

One-to-one therapy allows a young person to work with an appropriately trained professional on specific psychological difficulties.

Group Therapy

Some CAMHS services provide structured group interventions where this is clinically appropriate.

Groups can address particular conditions, emotional regulation, social difficulties or coping strategies.

Medication

Medication may be considered for some psychiatric conditions when clinically appropriate.

Medication decisions should be made by appropriately qualified clinicians and should take account of the young person's age, diagnosis, symptoms, physical health, potential benefits and possible adverse effects.

Medication is not automatically required simply because a young person is referred to CAMHS.

Crisis and Urgent Support

Some areas provide specialist crisis or urgent mental health services designed to respond to young people whose mental health has deteriorated significantly.

The availability and referral route vary by location.

CAMHS and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Neurodevelopmental conditions can include:

• ADHD

• Autism

• Tourette syndrome

• Tic disorders

• Intellectual or developmental difficulties

• Complex neuropsychiatric presentations

However, it is important to distinguish between neurodevelopmental assessment and general CAMHS mental health treatment.

Some areas have dedicated neurodevelopmental teams, while others integrate particular assessments into broader services. Local eligibility criteria can therefore be substantially different.

For example, West London CAMHS describes specialist services for complex neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, autism, Tourette syndrome and tic disorders.

Parents should therefore check the specific pathway operated by their local NHS provider rather than assuming that every CAMHS team provides identical diagnostic services.

CAMHS for Children Experiencing Trauma

Trauma can affect emotional development, relationships, behaviour, concentration, sleep and physical wellbeing.

A child experiencing psychological consequences following abuse, neglect, violence, an accident or another traumatic event may require an assessment that considers both the mental health symptoms and the wider circumstances.

Trauma-informed assessment can help clinicians understand:

• What happened

• How the child experienced the event

• Whether the threat is ongoing

• Current symptoms

• Changes in behaviour

• Relationships with caregivers

• Feelings of safety

• School functioning

• Coping mechanisms

• Risk

• Protective factors

Where safeguarding concerns exist, CAMHS may also need to work with social care, education, healthcare or other agencies.

CAMHS and Schools

Schools and colleges can play an important role in identifying changes in a young person's wellbeing.

Teachers and pastoral staff may notice:

• Increasing absence

• Social withdrawal

• Sudden changes in behaviour

• Declining academic performance

• Frequent emotional distress

• Bullying

• Self-harm concerns

• Difficulties concentrating

• Changes in eating

• Anxiety around attendance

Schools may provide early support directly or help families access appropriate specialist services.

NHS England is also expanding mental health support teams in schools and colleges, with national coverage planned by 2029. These services are intended to provide earlier mental health support and improve access to appropriate care.

This creates an increasingly connected pathway between education-based support, community services and specialist mental health care.

CAMHS and Parents or Carers

Parents and carers can provide valuable information about changes that may not be apparent during a clinical appointment.

They may help clinicians understand:

• Behaviour at home

• Sleep patterns

• Eating habits

• Family relationships

• School attendance

• Previous difficulties

• Changes over time

• Medication history

• Previous interventions

• Risk concerns

At the same time, young people should have opportunities to express their own experiences and views.

Effective assessment therefore balances the perspectives of the young person, family and relevant professionals.

CAMHS Waiting Times

Waiting times vary between services and can change according to demand, staffing and local capacity.

There is no single waiting time that accurately represents every CAMHS service in the UK.

For example, West London NHS Trust states that its waiting times depend on the relevant team and can fluctuate because of demand and staffing.

Families should therefore obtain current information from their local CAMHS provider rather than relying on a national average.

Where symptoms become significantly worse while waiting, the family or young person should seek updated clinical advice rather than simply waiting for the original appointment.

What If CAMHS Does Not Accept a Referral?

A CAMHS referral may be declined when the service determines that another form of support is more appropriate.

This does not necessarily mean that the young person's difficulties are insignificant.

Mental health care exists across multiple levels, including:

• Family and community support

• School-based support

• Primary care

• Mental Health Support Teams

• Early-help services

• Community psychological services

• Specialist CAMHS

• Eating-disorder services

• Crisis services

• Hospital services

• Other specialist organisations

Local pathways differ, so the appropriate alternative depends on the young person's circumstances and location.

If a family believes important information was missed during referral screening, it may be appropriate to ask the referring professional or local CAMHS service for clarification about the decision and what support is recommended next.

CAMHS Crisis and Emergency Mental Health Support

A routine CAMHS referral should not be used as a substitute for emergency care.

If a child or young person is at immediate risk of serious harm, urgent medical or emergency mental health assistance may be required.

The appropriate route depends on the situation and location. Local NHS services may provide urgent assessment, crisis lines or specialist crisis teams.

For example, Oxford Health states that its routine online referral system should not be used for urgent help and directs people towards emergency services or NHS 111 depending on the circumstances.

Where there is an immediate risk to life, emergency medical assistance should be sought without waiting for a routine CAMHS appointment.

CAMHS Inpatient Services

Most mental health support is intended to be delivered in community settings where clinically appropriate.

However, some young people experience mental health difficulties so severe that they require hospital-based assessment and treatment.

CAMHS inpatient services can provide more intensive care for young people whose needs cannot safely be managed in the community.

NHS England's approach emphasises providing appropriate care in the least restrictive setting, improving community provision and reducing inappropriate placements away from home.

Inpatient care may involve:

• Continuous clinical observation

• Psychiatric assessment

• Medication management

• Psychological intervention

• Nursing care

• Physical health monitoring

• Family involvement

• Education arrangements

• Risk management

• Discharge planning

The decision to admit a young person is based on clinical need and safety rather than simply the presence of a mental health diagnosis.

How CAMHS Works With Other Professionals

Complex mental health difficulties rarely exist in isolation.

CAMHS may therefore work alongside:

• GPs

• Paediatricians

• Schools

• Colleges

• Social workers

• Youth services

• Educational psychologists

• Speech and language professionals

• Occupational therapists

• Police where appropriate

• Safeguarding teams

• Voluntary-sector organisations

• Hospital teams

• Adult mental health services

This multidisciplinary approach is particularly important where mental health difficulties overlap with physical health, developmental needs, family difficulties or safeguarding concerns.

Transition From CAMHS to Adult Mental Health Services

As young people approach adulthood, their mental health care may need to transition to adult services.

Transition should involve consideration of:

• Age

• Current diagnosis

• Treatment needs

• Risk

• Capacity

• Independence

• Education or employment

• Family involvement

• Appropriate adult services

A transition is not simply an administrative change of provider. For young people receiving ongoing specialist support, continuity of care and clear communication can be important.

Where possible, young people and families should know:

• When the transition will occur

• Which service will receive the referral

• Who their new clinician or team will be

• What happens to existing treatment

• How urgent support can be accessed

The Role of a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a doctor specialising in mental health problems affecting children and young people.

Their role may include:

• Psychiatric assessment

• Diagnostic formulation

• Risk assessment

• Medication assessment

• Physical and mental health considerations

• Coordination of multidisciplinary care

• Assessment of complex presentations

• Support with severe or persistent psychiatric disorders

Not every young person receiving CAMHS treatment will need to see a psychiatrist. Treatment is generally matched to clinical need.

The Role of a Clinical Psychologist in CAMHS

Clinical psychologists can contribute to:

• Psychological assessment

• Formulation

• Diagnostic clarification

• Evidence-based psychological therapies

• Behavioural interventions

• Family work

• Risk assessment

• Treatment planning

Their role is particularly relevant where psychological formulation and structured therapy form a significant part of treatment.

What Should Parents Prepare Before a CAMHS Assessment?

Parents and young people can make an assessment more useful by recording relevant information beforehand.

Consider keeping a brief record of:

Symptoms

When did the difficulties begin? Have they become more frequent or severe?

Changes in behaviour

What has changed compared with the child's usual behaviour?

Education

Has attendance, concentration, academic performance or participation changed?

Sleep

Record major changes in sleep patterns.

Eating

Note significant changes in appetite, eating behaviour or weight where relevant.

Risk

Record concerns about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, unsafe behaviour or vulnerability.

Previous support

Include previous therapy, counselling, medication or other interventions.

Important events

Mention major life events that may have affected the young person.

Current medication

Bring an accurate list of prescribed and non-prescribed medication.

A written timeline can be particularly useful where symptoms have developed gradually.

Questions to Ask at a CAMHS Appointment

Parents and young people may wish to ask:

1. What do you think is causing the current difficulties?

2. What assessment has been completed?

3. Does the presentation meet CAMHS treatment criteria?

4. What treatment options are available?

5. What are the expected benefits?

6. How long might treatment last?

7. How will progress be measured?

8. What should happen if symptoms worsen?

9. What information will be shared with parents or carers?

10. What happens after treatment ends?

11. What support is available between appointments?

12. Who should be contacted during a crisis?

These questions can help families understand the proposed care plan and their role within it.

Evidence-Based and Person-Centred CAMHS Care

Effective child and adolescent mental healthcare should account for more than a diagnostic label.

A young person's:

• Development

• Family environment

• Education

• Physical health

• Social relationships

• Cultural context

• Previous experiences

• Strengths

• Preferences

• Goals

• Safety

may all influence assessment and treatment planning.

The NHS framework for children and young people's mental health services emphasises accessible, evidence-based and outcome-focused care delivered in collaboration with children, young people and families.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Key Benefits

High-quality Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services can provide several important functions:

Early identification

Recognising significant mental health problems earlier can allow appropriate support to begin before difficulties become more entrenched.

Specialist assessment

CAMHS can provide specialist assessment for complex psychological and psychiatric presentations.

Multidisciplinary care

Different professionals can contribute to assessment and treatment.

Family involvement

Families can receive information and support while helping young people engage with treatment.

Risk management

Specialist teams can assess and manage significant risks, including self-harm and suicide risk.

Integrated care

CAMHS can coordinate with schools, healthcare professionals, social care and other services.

Individualised treatment

Intervention can be adapted according to the young person's needs, diagnosis, developmental stage and circumstances.

Why Early Mental Health Support Matters

Mental health difficulties during childhood and adolescence can affect multiple areas of development.

Persistent untreated difficulties may influence:

• Education

• Relationships

• Family life

• Physical health

• Sleep

• Confidence

• Social development

• Employment prospects

• Independence

This does not mean that every emotional difficulty requires specialist CAMHS intervention. Many problems can be appropriately supported through families, schools, primary care and early-help services.

The important consideration is whether the level of difficulty requires a higher level of assessment or intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

What does CAMHS stand for?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. The term generally refers to specialist mental health services for children and young people.

Is CAMHS part of the NHS?

CAMHS is commonly provided through NHS services, although the wider children and young people's mental health system also involves schools, charities, community organisations and other providers.

What age does CAMHS cover?

The age range varies between local services. Many CAMHS services support children and young people up to 18, but local eligibility and transition arrangements differ.

Can a GP refer a child to CAMHS?

Yes. GPs can refer young people to CAMHS in many areas. However, local referral routes vary and some services also accept referrals from schools, health professionals or self-referrals.

Can parents refer their child to CAMHS?

In some areas, parents can self-refer; in others, a professional referral is required. The local CAMHS service determines the applicable pathway.

Can a young person refer to themselves?

Some local services allow self-referral, particularly for older adolescents, but this is not universal.

Does CAMHS only treat diagnosed mental illnesses?

No. Assessment considers symptoms, severity, functioning, risk and overall circumstances. A formal diagnosis is not necessarily required before a young person can be assessed.

Does CAMHS provide therapy?

Many CAMHS services provide psychological therapies, family interventions, group programmes and other evidence-based treatments. The available interventions depend on local service provision and clinical need.

Does CAMHS prescribe medication?

Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate. Decisions depend on the individual's assessment, diagnosis, symptoms, physical health and treatment needs.

How long does CAMHS treatment take?

There is no universal treatment duration. It depends on the condition, severity, treatment approach, response to intervention and local service arrangements.

What happens if a CAMHS referral is rejected?

The service should identify whether another service or level of support is more appropriate. Families can ask the referring professional or CAMHS team for an explanation and recommendations for next steps.

Can CAMHS help with anxiety?

Yes. Specialist CAMHS services can assess and treat significant anxiety disorders and related difficulties where the young person's needs meet local specialist-service criteria.

Can CAMHS help with depression?

Yes. Depression is among the mental health conditions that specialist CAMHS teams may assess and treat. NICE provides specific clinical recommendations for depression in children and young people.

Can CAMHS help with self-harm?

CAMHS may assess young people who self-harm, particularly where there are significant mental health difficulties or safety concerns. The urgency depends on the level of risk.

Is CAMHS confidential?

Confidentiality is an important part of mental health care, but it has limits. Clinicians should explain how information is handled and circumstances in which information may need to be shared to protect someone from serious harm.

When Should a Child or Young Person Seek Mental Health Support?

Professional advice should be considered when emotional or behavioural difficulties are:

• Persistent

• Increasing in severity

• Interfering with school

• Affecting relationships

• Affecting sleep or eating

• Causing significant distress

• Associated with self-harm

• Associated with suicidal thoughts

• Causing significant withdrawal

• Affecting everyday functioning

• Becoming difficult for family members to manage safely

The earlier concerns are recognised, the sooner an appropriate level of support can be considered.

However, routine mental health pathways are not designed for immediate emergencies. Where there is an immediate danger to life or serious injury, emergency medical support should be sought rather than waiting for a routine CAMHS referral.

The Future of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Children and young people's mental health provision in England is continuing to evolve.

NHS England's current plans include expanding mental health support in schools and colleges, improving access to specialist services, reducing long waits and addressing regional differences in access.

The broader direction is towards a more integrated model in which children and young people can access appropriate support at different levels without relying exclusively on specialist CAMHS.

This includes stronger connections between:

schools → early support → primary care → community mental health → specialist CAMHS → crisis services → inpatient care

The objective is not simply to increase referrals to specialist services. It is to ensure that young people receive the right assessment, at the right level, at the right time.

Conclusion

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide an important part of specialist mental healthcare for children and young people experiencing significant emotional, behavioural and psychiatric difficulties.

CAMHS can assess complex presentations such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, trauma-related difficulties, OCD and severe mental illness, while specialist pathways may address neurodevelopmental, eating-disorder, crisis, forensic and inpatient needs.

The pathway is not identical across the UK. Referral requirements, age ranges, waiting times, eligibility criteria and available treatments vary between local NHS services.

Understanding this local variation is essential for families seeking appropriate support. A CAMHS referral may lead to specialist assessment, treatment, another appropriate service or urgent intervention depending on the young person's individual circumstances.

Most importantly, mental health support should be centred on the young person's safety, development, experiences, strengths, family circumstances and individual needs, with collaboration between the young person, family and professionals wherever appropriate.