We’ve put together some of the questions we get asked most about the process when you first come to CAMHS, how long it takes to get seen and what to expect.
Once your child has been referred to CAMHS, they’ll receive an appointment letter from one of our professionals. You may also get a phone call to check if you’ve received the letter and if you’re able to attend the appointment. We’ll usually invite you to come along to the appointment with your child.
You might need to wait a few weeks for your child’s appointment. If you’re concerned that you may have to wait too long because your child’s problem is very serious or getting worse, you should discuss it with the person making the referral. If necessary, they’ll be able to contact CAMHS and ask for the referral to be treated more urgently.
If your child’s problem is very serious or getting worse, you should discuss it with the person who made or is making the referral. If necessary, they’ll be able to contact CAMHS and ask for the referral to be treated with more urgency.
In an emergency, you should contact your GP or ring NHS Direct on 111.
Your first appoint is for both parent and child or young person – you will meet with one or two people working in the CAMHS team. We will speak to your child, ask questions about how they are feeling, and what might be causing them to feel this way. We will also ask for your input throughout the assessment. If your child is over 16 we may ask to see them on their own for some of the appointment.
You’ll probably have questions of your own and we can answer these at the appointment. You may want to sit down before you come to see us and think of any questions you want to ask so you can bring these along with you.
Once we have met with you all, we will then be able to consider the best course of treatment.
After the first meeting, we’ll send a letter to explain what we discussed and planned together, and what will happen next.
If your child is 16 years old or over, we may agree to see them on their own and write to them only. These decisions will be based on what we know about your child from the person who has referred them and what we have agreed in the assessment appointment.
We will do all we can to make you and your child as comfortable as possible. Please try not to worry, we’re here to help.