Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. They are an NHS service that aim to treat young people who suffer with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
In Leicester these services are provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (often known as LPT).
CAMHS are provided until you are 18, after that you will be discharged from CAMHS. Some young people may move into Adult Mental Health (AMH) services while others will be well enough to not require services as an adult.
How does it work?
As you approach 17½ years of age, conversations will take place regarding transition from CAMHS to Adult Mental Health (AMH) services. The CAMHS clinician will make an initial phone call to the AMH clinician to discuss whether you are likely to qualify for AMH services.
If you don’t qualify for referral to AMH services, you will complete your care with the CAMHS team and be discharged to the care of your GP around your 18th birthday. You may be referred to low level mental support that is available for everyone. More information on this is included in the section called non-statutory mental health services.
If you qualify for referral to AMH services, the CAMHS clinician will complete the referral to AMH. They will also complete a ‘Transition to Adult Services’ plan with your input, to help prepare you for transition into AMH services. You will be invited to a joint-transition appointment with your carer, CAMHS clinician and a clinician from AMH services before your 18th birthday. CAMHS may see you once or twice more, then discharge you to AMH services.
Who is involved?
You will be supported by doctors, nurses and therapists who specialise in child or adult mental health.
The role of parents and carers
Parents and carers can support you by attending appointments with you if you wish.