What does CAMHS stand for?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These specialised NHS teams support young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. CAMHS teams bring together psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and therapists to provide assessment, therapy and practical support tailored to each child’s needs. Early access to CAMHS can transform lives by addressing issues before they become more severe, helping young people and their families build resilience and find strategies to cope.

What CAMHS does
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services assess the mental health of children and teenagers experiencing problems such as anxiety, low mood, self harm or eating difficulties. During the assessment process professionals explore emotional wellbeing, family circumstances, school experience and any physical health factors that could contribute to distress. Once a clear picture emerges the CAMHS team may offer psychological therapies, family support, medication or signpost to community or voluntary sector resources. The goal is to help young people regain stability, improve functioning at home and school and reduce the risk of long term problems.

Who can access CAMHS
Any child or young person under eighteen who is registered with a GP in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland may be referred to CAMHS. Referral can come from a GP, school nurse, teacher or social worker and sometimes from parents themselves. The threshold for referral varies locally but generally services prioritise those with moderate to severe symptoms or where there is risk to safety. Early help teams, school counselling and voluntary sector providers offer support for milder difficulties, reserving CAMHS capacity for complex or enduring mental health needs.

The referral and assessment process
When a referral is accepted CAMHS arranges an initial assessment appointment, often involving parents, carers and the young person. Clinicians use structured interviews and questionnaires to explore symptoms, triggers and strengths. They aim to build trust by listening without judgment and explaining how the service works. Assessment may take one to three sessions depending on need. Following assessment the team convenes a meeting to decide on the most appropriate care plan, which might include individual therapy, group work, parenting support or medication review led by a child psychiatrist.

Types of treatment and support
CAMHS teams offer a range of evidence based treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps young people identify unhelpful thoughts and develop coping strategies. Family therapy improves communication and resolves conflict within the home environment. Dialectical behaviour therapy teaches emotion regulation for those who self harm. Play therapy supports younger children to express feelings they cannot yet articulate. When appropriate a psychiatrist may prescribe medication such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers, always alongside psychological support and careful monitoring.

How CAMHS fits into wider care
CAMHS works closely with paediatricians, social care, schools and voluntary organisations to provide holistic support. For young people with learning disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, CAMHS liaises with specialist teams to tailor interventions. Transition planning with adult mental health services begins around age seventeen, ensuring that young people do not fall through gaps when they turn eighteen. Joint clinics, shared care protocols and transition workers help maintain continuity and safeguard progress made in CAMHS.

Waiting times and priority criteria
NHS targets aim for urgent referrals to receive an initial appointment within five working days, and for routine referrals to be seen within twenty weeks. In practice waiting times vary by region and demand. Young people deemed at immediate risk are fast‑tracked. Those with moderate difficulties may wait longer but are offered interim support such as telephone advice, signposting to digital resources or referrals to local youth groups. Parents and young people are encouraged to keep in touch with the team if symptoms worsen while waiting.

Common conditions seen by CAMHS
The services frequently support young people with anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic and social anxiety. Depression and low mood in adolescence also account for many referrals. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia require close monitoring. Self harm and suicidal thoughts prompt urgent intervention. Behavioural difficulties linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or oppositional defiant disorder feature in some assessments. Early psychosis clinics within CAMHS help detect and treat emerging severe mental health conditions before full onset.

When to consider CAMHS
If a child’s emotional distress or behaviour is significantly affecting daily life at home or school, or if there are concerns about safety through self harm or suicidal thinking, it is appropriate to seek referral. Persistent nightmares, bed wetting beyond expected age, withdrawal from social contact or severe panic attacks are also red flags. GPs and school professionals can advise on whether CAMHS is suitable or whether early help alternatives are more appropriate for less severe problems.

Common myths and misconceptions
Many people believe that CAMHS only treats severe psychiatric disorders. In reality teams also work with moderate anxiety, low self esteem and adjustment difficulties. Some think that CAMHS simply prescribes medication. The focus is primarily psychological therapy and family support, with medication used sparingly. Others imagine a formal ward environment. The majority of CAMHS care takes place within outpatient clinics, schools or even at home.

Challenges and improvements
Rising demand, workforce shortages and regional variation pose challenges to timely CAMHS access. The NHS long term plan includes expanded staffing, digital therapy options and improved community partnerships to reduce waiting times. Schools are embedding mental health support teams to tackle issues early. Voluntary sector collaboration offers additional resources such as peer support and youth mentoring, easing pressure on core CAMHS services.

Support for families and carers
Caring for a child with mental health needs can be stressful for families. CAMHS provides parent workshops, individual family consultations and signposts to local carer support groups. Psychoeducation helps carers understand the young person’s condition, learn behavioural strategies and develop crisis plans. Regular reviews ensure families remain engaged and feel supported throughout the child’s journey.

Emotional impact and resilience building
Living with ongoing mental health difficulties can erode a young person’s confidence and social connections. CAMHS encourages resilience by identifying personal strengths, teaching coping skills and promoting supportive friendships. Creative therapies such as art, drama or music offer alternative outlets for expression and boost self esteem. Group sessions help young people realise they are not alone and learn from peers facing similar challenges.

Summary
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provide essential assessment, therapy and support for young people experiencing mental health difficulties. From anxiety and depression to self harm and eating disorders, CAMHS teams deliver a range of psychological treatments alongside family support and medication management where needed. Early referral through a GP or school professional ensures young people receive timely care adapted to their individual needs. By demystifying CAMHS and understanding how the service works, families can navigate the system with confidence and help their children access the help they deserve.