Is this a normal wait for CAMHS?

[VashtaNerada]

GP referred us to CAMHS for DD’s depression in August. Since then there have been a couple of phonecalls from them to ask us questions but no interventions or any kind of plan for DD. We email once every few weeks asking for an update or an estimated timescale but emails are never answered. Is this normal? DD’s mental health is deteriorating and I just don’t know what to say to her.

CAHMS have just sent a letter saying they have been trying to contact us but have been unable to reach us, threatening to discharge DD from their system. There have been ZERO phonecalls or emails in months . DH phoning them now...

@VashtaNerada this is a common trick. It is why every interaction with them needs to be documented with key points highlighted and posted registered. You can then track and trace and prove things were sent and signed for.

They were email resistant 5 years ago and I am convinced it was to swerve audit trails. They are slithery buggers.

Good luck. When DH is finished jot down the convo and what has been agreed and send them a copy registered. It really is the only way.

We waited 18 months after initial assessment. To be honest they are useless and not helping at all so dont expect massive changes when they do start.

It's a 2 year wait after initial assessment here.
We are going private, I think. It's not cheap but what else can you do.

@VashtaNerada this is a common trick. It is why every interaction with them needs to be documented with key points highlighted and posted registered. You can then track and trace and prove things were sent and signed for

Cannot reinforce this enough. Its disgraceful that you have to deal with a healthcare agency as if they were a hostile litigator but its absolutley the case that if you are stuck with them, document and evidence every interaction.

Ask them to send dates and times of attempted contacts, numbers or addresses which they should have documented. Doesn't stop people making stuff up but it does make it clear you won't lie down and die for them.

Absolutely! One day I will learn to proof read properly!