When to consider asking for specialist help from CAMHS? Getting more help.

If the symptoms are ongoing and they are affecting everyday life, such as limiting school attendance or going out with friends or family, or if the physical symptoms are significantly affecting their health, then you may wish to consider making a a referral to CAMHS.

Schools, GPs or other professionals, who know you or your child, can make this referral on your behalf. Currently, we are unable to accept parent or self-referrals. See how to refer for further details.

Professionals can access further support around asking for specialist help by contacting the CAMHS Specialist Community Advisor Team.

What to expect from CAMHS

CAMHS will begin by asking how you are feeling and how the anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life. This information will help us to make suggestions about what support may be most useful for you. We may also talk with parents and/or other professionals to advise them how best to support the anxiety.

This may include evidence-based interventions such as:

• Talking therapies

• Parent-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – for younger children

• Individual CBT – by a CAMHS clinician or CBT therapist

• CBT group support

• Family Therapy