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The Daily Insight

Can I self refer to Camhs?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on February 25, 2026

Information on how to refer into the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Parents and carers who would like their child to access CFHDevon can now self-refer into any service, rather than waiting for a GP or other health professional refer for them.

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.

Is Camhs confidential?

Confidentiality is very important to us – we will only share information about young people when we feel it is absolutely necessary, and we will always explain what information we are sharing and why. CAMHS is part of the National Health Service (NHS) and all health services like us (GPs, hospitals, clinics etc.

Can Camhs prescribe medication?

Child psychiatrists are the only CAMHS professionals who can prescribe medication if it is needed. Sometimes specially trained CAMHS nurses may prescribe for some illnesses (e.g. like ADHD).

What is Camhs Ireland?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and is a service that provides assessment and treatment for young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

Is Camhs a free service?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and is a free service that helps children and young people, up to age 18 years of age with moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

What do Camhs crisis team do?

What can the crisis team do for me? The team respond to the immediate mental health needs of young people, offering short term help, either at home or in the community, and will stay involved until there is a resolution of the immediate crisis.

What is the aim of Camhs?

The aim of CAMHS is to promote the positive integration of a child's emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual development. We hold the view that, first and foremost, children are children.

Can you go to therapy without your parents knowing UK?

A talking therapies service will not contact your GP without your permission, unless they believe you're at risk of harming yourself or other people. Talking therapies are delivered in confidence.

What is child mental health?

Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities.

Can Camhs diagnose BPD?

9.1 Mental health professionals working in secondary care services, including community-based services and teams, CAMHS and inpatient services, should be trained to diagnose borderline personality disorder, assess risk and need, and provide treatment and management in accordance with this guideline.

What happens at a Camhs assessment?

You will be asked questions surrounding the issues that were described by the person who sent the CAMHS referral. These questions will vary depending on the issues and difficulties that you are facing. You will be asked questions surrounding the issues that were described by the person who sent the CAMHS referral.

Can you section 136 a child?

Children of any age may be detained using section 136 MHA 1983, and any person under 18 years of age may be taken into police protection using section 46 of the Children Act 1989.

What is a Tier 4 Camhs service?

CAMHS Tier 4 are specialised services that provide assessment and treatment for children and young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Tier four services treat patients with more complex needs usually requiring inpatient treatment.

What is emotional wellbeing NHS?

Emotional health is about how we think, feel and behave. Having good emotional health is important as it affects all aspects of our daily lives. Good emotional health is about feeling positive about daily life and work and having good relationships with family and friends.

What is play therapy used for?

Play therapy is a form of treatment that helps children and families to express their emotions, improve their communication, and solve problems. Play therapy capitalizes on children's natural ability to express their feelings and resolve conflicts through play.