Understanding CAMHS: A Guide for Parents Supporting Teen Mental Health
When your teen is struggling, it can be overwhelming. You want to be there for them, but knowing where to turn - and how to actually get the right help - can feel like a maze. CAMHS, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, plays a vital role in supporting young people, but for many parents, the process feels unclear. How do you access it? How long will it take? Will your child get the support they need, and when?
While you wait, the pressure often falls to the parent and school to hold things together, to support children through their tough and uncertain moments without knowing what’s coming next.
This week, we spoke with Senior CAMHS Nurse Therapist, Anthony Young, who shared practical insight into how CAMHS works and what help is available - for your child and for you.
Recognising Signs of Mental Health Struggles
Anthony started by talking about recognising when a teenager might need help with mental health issues. Young people may exhibit various signs, with common indicators including withdrawal from social interactions, changes in sleeping patterns, and fluctuating moods. Parents often notice a decline in interest in activities their children once enjoyed. It's important to trust parental instincts and address these changes early.
Initial Steps and Seeking Help
When mental health concerns are noticeable and it's been more than 2-3 weeks, the first step is often a referral to CAMHS through School or a General Practitioner (GP). Anthony recommends documenting changes in behaviour, sleep, and appetite to provide a comprehensive overview to healthcare professionals. In cases of imminent risk, immediate attention through emergency services may be necessary.
The CAMHS Process
Once your referral has been accepted, CAMHS conducts a mental health assessment, sometimes called an enhanced enquiry, to understand the child's needs. This process varies by location and can be influenced by the availability of services. Parents should maintain communication with CAMHS and update them on any changes in their child's condition.
Managing Long Waiting Times
Due to stretched services and high demand, waiting times for CAMHS can be lengthy. If interim support is needed, Anthony suggests that parents explore local resources, such as school counseling services or voluntary organisations, to provide that support. Engaging with parent forums, community groups and training resources can also be beneficial.
Supporting Teens at Home and School
Creating a supportive home environment is vital, both before and during the process of seeking help. Encourage open communication by asking open-ended questions and validating your child's feelings. It's important to balance discussions about mental health with everyday conversations to avoid overwhelming the child.
School can be a significant source of stress for adolescents. If a child is reluctant to discuss their mental health at school, parents should work with educators to find subtle support mechanisms, such as time-out cards or movement breaks, tailored to the child's needs.
Involving Siblings and Family
It’s important to consider the impact of a teenager’s mental health on the entire family, including siblings. Anthony recommends including them in discussions and providing age-appropriate explanations can help them feel supported. Some organisations offer sibling support groups, particularly for families dealing with neurodivergent conditions.
When CAMHS Isn't an Option
If CAMHS services are unavailable or insufficient, parents can seek private therapy options, if financially feasible. Additionally, exploring community resources and advocacy services can provide alternative support pathways.
Supporting a teenager through mental health challenges requires patience, understanding, and proactive engagement with healthcare professionals, CAMHS and available resources. By staying informed and connected with support networks, parents may have more knowledge to bridge the gap between the professionals and their young ones, to ensuring their child receives consistency and care.
For further guidance, parents can consider private consultations with mental health professionals to discuss specific concerns in a confidential setting. As always, if immediate help is needed, contacting healthcare professionals is crucial.