How bad do you have to be to go to CAMHS?
Specialist CAMHS will accept referrals of children and young people whose symptoms or distress and degree of social and/or functional impairment are severe. Usually, the duration of these difficulties should be not less than three months.
How do I get a CAMHS referral?
The first step to getting help from CAMHS is usually that you will be referred for a CAMHS assessment. This referral can come from your parents/carers, a teacher, GP, or yourself if you are old enough (depending on where you live).
What does Tier 4 CAMHS mean?
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.
Will CAMHS give me 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).
Do you need a GP referral for CAMHS?
A referral to CAMHS must be completed by a GP or a senior social worker or a senior psychologist who is known to the young person being referred. Your GP will be aware of the referral if it is made by another professional.
How do you get a CWP?
In order to be a qualified children’s wellbeing practitioner (CWP) you will need to complete a Graduate / Post Graduate Certificate training course that is commissioned by Health Education England (HEE). Currently the training courses for CWPs are not accredited, but this is being actively pursued.
Can a children’s nurse work in Camhs?
Our CAMHS practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds including children’s nursing and social work. Alternatively, if you aren’t currently working in a registered healthcare profession, but would like to gain experience in a mental health setting, a support worker role might be for you.