What exactly are CAMHs supposed to treat?

[WhiteC0sm05]

Seems to be very little in our area.

A bit of a pointless group.

YP referred then discounted - very challenging behaviour but no one to turn to - camhs didn't want to know so who do they treat/help

BertieBotts There were two reports from the Children's Commissioner last year about mental health treatment which The Guardian covered. They were pretty spot on tbh. Officially they are meant to lead to a shift into new models for providing mental health care, but in reality without investment then changes will be difficult.

Be angry at the government who has cut and cut at cahms not the staff that are trying their hardest with no resources

@Punxsutawney has your son got an EHCP? If not, that must be your first priority. Use IPSEA or SOSSEN for support but put in a request for a needs assessment. Secure an EHCP then look for specialist schools and colleges and be prepared to fight to get your son placed there.
Dd has autism, her specialist school has their own psychaitrist, psychologist ASD specific counselling service as well as on site SALT and OT. They are putting dd back together and it is wonderful to see my happy daughter coming back.

Unfortunately they’ve been underfunded for the last few years, and we’ve voted for a government that has done this to remain in power. There is nothing the staff can do if they don’t have the resources available.

They definitely don't see children diagnosed with ASD who have anxiety. Even when a paediatric consultant asks nicely.

CAMHS is appallingly badly resourced in my area, too.

I could swear they put off assessing children for as long as possible, hoping they'll reach 18 before they've got round to assessing them and they'll be adult MH services responsibility.

I doesn’t seem to just be underfunding in my area. We have experienced quite unprofessional behaviour and a lack of expertise. Unfortunately you have to get through this crappy layer to see anybody decent.

It seems back to front as a service.

I’m really shocked at how appallingly shite the level of screening and pre mentioned knowledge and professionalism are at the point of entry. That isn’t just a funding issue.

January 2019 we had our initial assesment for my daughter, then told she was on the waiting list. Shes got her first "appointment" over the phone next week but it's a guy and I dont think she will open up to him about the issues she is having. We had a first appointment come through with a woman that then got cancelled when we went into lockdown. So I'm guessing it's not going to help her with very much as I know 100% she wont want to talk to him. She has serious anxiety, busy dysmorphia and since we have been waiting on an appointment has developed bulimia.

hired he doesn't have one but looking into it now.

It is like the wonderful wizard of oz.

Everyone wants to believe that when they finally get there - they will have an answer....but...

And just to add although January 2019 was our first assesment. We waited about 8 months for it. So its been 2 years and 4 months we have been waiting.

We have never to no CAMHS Provisions here, I'm currently in bits every evening wondering what the fuck I'm supposed to about my 15 yr old DS, he's 16 in Sept and has the behaviour of a 10/11 ye old, but he's not disruptive or 'naughty' he has health condition that means he'd lived a life in hospital - because you can't have 2 things at the same time clearly. I can't even get a referral because the people referent know I won't get through the door.
I'm going to have to look privately now and work myself into the ground to afford it, as things stand he's a huge danger to himself and from others.

If anyone can recommend a private practice that will do a thorough assessment in West Sussex please let me know.

Bugger all. Actually they seem to be good at dispensing prescriptions. My kids (SEN) have had 'support' from them for 8 years on and off. They do reasonable assessments but there is bugger all support for mental health issues as far as I can tell

Good luck with private. You get no advice from GP as they can’t recommend anybody. I’ve googled what we should be looking for, don’t even know the title. They should publish a leaflet admitting that CAMHs is shite and pointless and explaining which professionals you should look for yourselves. GP should have a few good local recommendations.

It’s nuts.

Don't suppose you're in Derbyshire are you op? We were stuck waiting for a referral to action for children as couldn't get a camhs referral, but in the end got a referral to a free local counselling service which has been amazing!
I cannot believe the difference it's made!!!

No sadly not.

@Punxsutawney this page has everything you need to know. With an EHCP you can secure educational support until your child is 25, get the health needs in the EHCP you can then ensure that the support to meet them is made regardless as to CAMHS criteria and if you need support from social care get that in the EHCP as well. It can be a battle and most likely will be but keep pushing.

@Pimmsypimms I'm in Derbyshire and CAMHS are one long source of frustration. Thankfully because of their letter supporting dd's placement at independent specialist school (thereby offloading dd and her complaining mother) they really only check in now and the school provide the MH support instead.

Thanks hired. I have had lots of supportive advice on Mumsnet about EHCPs and SEN. So I've managed to get some information together.

Nothing related to SEND or autism......seemingly young people with autism can't possibly have MH problems too! Very frustrating!!

@TitsalinaBumSquash does your son have an EHCP? I'm assuming so if he has health needs. If so call an emergency review of the EHCP and ask for an assessment of those needs. Can you afford an independent assessment? If so get the assessment and appeal to Tribunal if the LA don't agree to make the provision to meet the needs that your independent assessment has identified.

My CAMHS does indeed see and treat those with ASC but they must have a mental health need in addition. In fact the large proportion of referrals accepted for a service are those wirh a diagnosis or waiting for an assessment. So you are wrong, the who make blanket statements that CAMHS don't see children and young people with Autism. We do. And yes, please do divert your anger and frustration to those who set the targets and the budgets to meet them.

The shortfall in health services in general is due to 10 years of austerity.