I've been referred. What next?
We will process and review your referral and may contact you or your referrer for additional information to help us assess its urgency.
If your referral is considered urgent, we will attempt to contact you by phone within two business days.
Once your referral has been processed, we will either offer you an appointment or provide details about alternative services if Community CAMHS is not the most suitable option.
If you are invited to a first appointment, we will send you further details, including:
- the date, time, and location of the appointment
- who you are likely to meet
- what you may need to bring.
Your first appointment
This appointment usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. This appointment may be face to face or over the telephone. The aim is for us to better understand your mental health concerns, what has worked or not worked in the past, who you might be working with now, and what support you feel is most needed right now.
You may meet with one of our mental health professionals such as a social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist or nurse. All members of the CAMHS clinical team have professional qualifications, are trained in mental health assessment and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families.
After this first appointment, we will talk to you about the next steps and how we can best support you. Sometimes this means continuing with CAMHS and sometimes it may mean connecting you with another service that can offer the right kind of help at this time. Whatever the outcome, we will make sure you have clear information and guidance about what happens next. If the outcome is for further input from CAMHS you will be offered a follow up appointment at the earliest available day and time. At times there may be a delay between the first and follow up appointment.
At any time, if you have any urgent or acute mental health concerns, you are advised to contact CAMHS Crisis Connect, your GP or present to your nearest hospital emergency department.
We will provide you and your referrer a written summary of the appointment including the agreed plan and the next steps.
How long will I stay in the service?
The length of your involvement with Community CAMHS will be influenced by a range of factors, including recovery and your response to treatment.
The availability of community supports, 'step down services' and more appropriate specialist services may also determine discharge from the service.
If severe mental health difficulties occur again, children, young people and their families and carers are welcome to return to the service.