How do i refer my child to camhs
If you are a parent who is concerned about your child’s mental health and are wondering how to access support, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) can be of great help. CAMHS provides specialized mental health care for children and adolescents up to the age of 18.
Referring your child to CAMHS is a straightforward process. To begin, you should contact your child’s general practitioner (GP) or another healthcare professional involved in your child’s care. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and support to make the referral.
Before making the referral, it is important to discuss your concerns with your child and ensure they are aware of the process. It may be helpful to explain that CAMHS is a service that provides support to young people who may be struggling with their mental health and that seeking help is a positive step towards feeling better.
During the referral process, you may be asked to provide information about your child’s mental health history, any relevant medical history, and details about their current symptoms and struggles. This information will help the professionals at CAMHS to better understand your child’s needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Where to find CAMHS referral information
If you are seeking to refer your child to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), it is important to know where you can find the necessary information. The first step is to contact your child’s doctor, who can provide guidance and make the appropriate referral.
Additionally, you can find valuable information on CAMHS referral processes and requirements on the official website of your local NHS (National Health Service) trust. These websites typically have dedicated pages or sections specifically for CAMHS referrals, where you can find detailed information about the process, eligibility criteria, and contact details.
Furthermore, you may consult educational institutions in your area, such as schools or colleges, as they often have information and resources about accessing CAMHS services. They may have dedicated school nurses or counselors who can assist you with the referral process or provide guidance on how to access appropriate support for your child’s mental health needs.
Another useful resource for CAMHS referral information is the local authority’s website. Local councils often have dedicated pages or sections on their websites that provide information and guidance on mental health services for children and young people. These pages may include details on how to access CAMHS and provide information about other relevant support services in your area.
Lastly, if you are unsure about where to find CAMHS referral information, you can also consider contacting helpline services such as the NHS 111 helpline or mental health support helplines. They can provide you with details on how to make a referral and offer support and guidance throughout the process.
Specific steps to refer your child to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health and wish to refer them to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), there are specific steps you can take to initiate the process:
Step 1: Contacting your primary care provider or pediatrician
The first step is to reach out to your child’s primary care provider or pediatrician. Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and share any observations or changes in your child’s behavior or mood that worry you. Your primary care provider will assess your child and determine if a referral to CAMHS is necessary.
Step 2: Obtaining a referral
If your child’s primary care provider believes a referral to CAMHS is necessary, they will typically provide you with a referral form. This form may require detailed information about your child’s mental health history, current symptoms, and any relevant family history. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and thoroughly.
Step 3: Contacting CAMHS
Once you have obtained the referral form, contact your local CAMHS team to confirm their referral process. You may be asked to send the completed form via mail or email, or a specific online referral system may be in place. Ensure that you provide all necessary details and attachments as specified by the CAMHS team.
Step 4: Assessing the referral
Upon receiving your referral, the CAMHS team will review the information provided to determine the urgency and appropriateness of the referral. They may request additional information, such as school reports or previous assessments, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs.
Step 5: Initial assessment
Once the referral has been assessed and accepted, your child will be scheduled for an initial assessment. This assessment may involve interviews with you, your child, and other professionals involved in your child’s care, such as teachers or social workers. The purpose is to gather detailed information and develop a better understanding of your child’s mental health concerns.
Step 6: Treatment planning
Based on the information gathered from the initial assessment, a treatment plan will be developed. This plan will outline the recommended interventions, therapies, and services to address your child’s mental health needs. The CAMHS team will work closely with you and your child to tailor the treatment plan to their specific requirements.
| Point of contact | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Primary care provider or pediatrician | Phone: [Your primary care provider’s contact number] |
| CAMHS Team | Phone: [Local CAMHS team contact number] |
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