Can I self refer to Camhs?
Emma Newman
Updated on February 25, 2026
Likewise, how old do you have to be to refer yourself to Camhs?
Young people aged 16 and above are able to consent to referral in their own right. Some young people under the age of 16 who have the capacity to consent to a referral can also do so.
Also, what Camhs stands for? Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are services that support young people with their mental health. You may also hear them called CYPMHS (Children and Young People's Mental Health Services).
Also to know is, do Camhs have to tell your parents?
Remember you don't have to tell your parents or carers anything about your sessions that you don't want to, including what you talk about with your therapist. If they try and insist that you tell them, or on coming to your sessions, you can ask CAMHS to explain this to them.
What is Camhs now called?
You may also see the term children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) used. This is an older term for the main specialist NHS community service within the wider CYPMHS that may be available locally. Local areas have a number of different support services available.
Related Question Answers
Who can access Camhs?
If you're under 16 years old, your parent(s) or carer(s) will usually be invited to join for part of this meeting. This appointment will generally take place at a CAMHS clinic. But, in some circumstances, they may meet with you at your school or home.How long is waiting list for Camhs?
How long will we have to wait for a first appointment? Once the referral is received by CAMHS it will be coded as Urgent or Routine. Urgent appointments are seen within two weeks. If your referral is coded as routine, you will not wait for more than 9 weeks for a first appointment, often less.What can Camhs diagnose?
CAMHS can also diagnose and treat serious mental health problems such as: Psychosis.The types of problems CAMHS can help with include:
- Violent or angry behaviour.
- Depression.
- Eating difficulties.
- Low self-esteem.
- Relationship problems.
- Anxiety and phobias.
- Obsessions and compulsions.
- Sleep difficulties.
What happens at your first Camhs appointment?
When you come to CAMHS for your first appointment, the first person you will meet is our receptionist. They will book you in, show you where to wait for your appointment, and then let the person you have come to meet (sometimes known as your “clinician”) know that you have arrived.Can I refer my daughter to Camhs?
How to Refer a Young Person to CAMHS. CAMHS accepts referrals for children and young people up to their 18th birthday.Can Camhs diagnose autism?
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Pathway.If the child or young person has mental health difficulties in addition to signs of autism, they may be assessed and receive a diagnosis through the CAMHS pathway.
Can Camhs diagnose ADHD?
They may offer to refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). You don't need to do a test to find out if you have ADHD. Instead, you'll talk to an expert such as a psychiatrist or specialist paediatrician (young person's doctor) to find out the best way to help.What makes a good Camhs referral?
Reason for referral:What are the specific difficulties that you want CAMHS to address? How long has this been a problem and why is the family seeking help now? Is the problem situation-specific or more generalised? What risks are there to the young person, their family or others if this problem is not addressed.