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Original poster

CAMHS HELP PLEASE!!! Can I pull my child out?

43 replies

NoisyPoster · 22/11/2024 20:47

So I have two questions.

  1. Am I allowed to withdraw my child from CAMHS? We have only had one appointment and for various reasons, weren’t really satisfied with the experience. We also have found a medical cause for his issues and so we don’t see a need to return. This issue has caused DS to be underweight, but he is now gaining weight after starting a new medication.
  2. CAMHS have sent a consent form. It asks if they can contact DS’s school for info. I want to put no for this. Ideal scenario is that we just withdraw him and then this question isn’t relevant. But if it doesn’t work that way, am I okay to put no for this?

DS issues are complex and outing and so I don’t want to post the details for that reason. So I’m sorry that my post is quite vague.

Any knowledge in this area would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
PigInADuvet · 22/11/2024 21:15

If they agree that his problem is physical and resolved with medication rather than mental, they'll discharge him anyway when they feel appropriate

Original poster
NoisyPoster · 22/11/2024 21:15

@Jellycoconut thank you so much, that’s really helpful.

My son is 11 and has actually told me he doesn’t want to go back as he doesn’t see a need for it. I don’t know if his feelings on this can be respected? Like I said, he was underweight, may still be slightly, so I’m not sure if it would be okay to withdraw. He is under close obs of the GP and we have the paediatrics referral in the pipeline.

OP posts:
Jellycoconut · 22/11/2024 21:11

And to add, if your son is of an age where it could be deemed he is gillick competent to decide for himself if he wants to access CAMHS, we would continue to see him even if parents don't want CAMHS input (if he has a mental health difficulty)

Jellycoconut · 22/11/2024 21:08

CAMHS clinician here. Yes you can end your involvement with CAMHS, just call them and tell them the reason why, and they will close his file. You can also withhold consent for school to be contacted. Unless there is a major safeguarding issue with CAMHS input being stopped they will have no issue with this.
Depending on the age of the child we are asked to try to get the child's view on input being stopped (this comes from a serious case review following a tragic suicide after parents had pulled a child out of CAMHS) but this may not be relevant to your son's case.
I would advise however for you to consider fully before you do end involvement, particularly if CAMHS believes that there may be a mental health component with your son's presentation, as the medical aide may just be one part of it.
I'd advise just discuss with the relevant clinician, they'd be happy to talk it over with you I am sure.

shivermetimbers77 · 22/11/2024 21:08

CAMHS is consent based, so yes as a person with parental responsibility you can withdraw your child.. however, the only caveat to that is if your child would like to continue and is of an age where he can consent for himself, or if CAMHS consider that withdrawing him may put him at risk in some way, then that could potentially be referred to social services as a safeguarding issue.

That’s rare though, and in most cases, a polite conversation or email to the clinician explaining that you’ve decided not to continue, as you have found alternative support but will get back in touch with the GP if further support if neededis sufficient. However, without knowing the specifics of any risk issues it’s difficult to say for sure. May be worth discussing with them.

hazelbiscuit82 · 22/11/2024 21:08

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hazelbiscuit82 · 22/11/2024 21:07

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Original poster
NoisyPoster · 22/11/2024 21:06

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No - no social services involvement.

OP posts:
titchy · 22/11/2024 21:05

Are you saying the original reason for the CAMHS referral were incorrect, and that he has a new diagnosis from a consultant who agrees that the issues that led to the MH referral were due to the new diagnosis not a MH issue?

Eg referred for anorexia, but found to have medical condition which caused loss of appetite?

What does Dr who prescribes the medication think?

I wouldn't cancel unless his Dr agrees.

onwardandupwards · 22/11/2024 21:03

Scutterbug · 22/11/2024 21:02

I’d give it a bit more time. My son refused to engage though and they closed his case. I wish they’d given him more time.

This was also the case with my son

hazelbiscuit82 · 22/11/2024 21:03

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Original poster
NoisyPoster · 22/11/2024 21:03

Nursingadvice · 22/11/2024 21:00

Hard to say without having any idea what you are talking about, but it takes years to get seen by CAMHS so I’d say stick with it, but also tempted to say let someone who actually wants their support have the appointments.

This is my thinking. I’m confident it is treatment that my DS doesn’t need. Surely it would be better for someone who needs the treatment to be able to access the service.

OP posts:
Scutterbug · 22/11/2024 21:02

I’d give it a bit more time. My son refused to engage though and they closed his case. I wish they’d given him more time.

Shiningout · 22/11/2024 21:02

I'd just be very aware that if you choose to discharge yourselves and then later realise you need support you'll likely have to wait years for help as there are so many waiting for appointments.

Nursingadvice · 22/11/2024 21:00

Hard to say without having any idea what you are talking about, but it takes years to get seen by CAMHS so I’d say stick with it, but also tempted to say let someone who actually wants their support have the appointments.

hazelbiscuit82 · 22/11/2024 20:56

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Original poster
NoisyPoster · 22/11/2024 20:55

But the medication has proven to be effective. Therefore the need for CAMHS support is not there?

OP posts:
hazelbiscuit82 · 22/11/2024 20:51

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