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Concerned about son (I work at CAMHS). Help needed

3 replies

abc12386 · 21/12/2021 13:31

My 6 year old DS has been saying some rather disturbing things recently. I won't get into too much detail here as could be outing. Suffice to say, he's making a lot of comments about wanting to kill people, had grabbed a vegatable knife from the draining board in the kitchen, waved it around said he's going to stab me. Woke up this morning saying he'd had a dream about killing babies (laughed when telling me this).
It's just son and I at home (I left his father when son was a baby due to domestic abuse). He's no longer involved in his life.
Son does well at school. Excellent report on parent's evening. Teacher and deputy head appeared shocked when I told them some of the terrible things he's saying at home. Said they've seen nothing of concern in him at school... described him being like a model pupil and excels in all areas.
I have an initial appointment with the GP tomorrrow (without son present) to explain what's been happening at home. Depending on outcome of that discussion, GP will most likely need to seen him for an assessment.
I suspect there's a chance GP could refer him to CAMHS (formally Healthy Young Minds) and, whilst I'm very keen for son to get help, is there any way he could be referred to a CAMHS service which isn't our local one? I don't mind travelling but don't want everyone at my workplace knowing what's happening. I'm a very private person and I know gossip sometimes spreads like wildfire, so last thing I want it my son and I being gossiped about. The details I'll be giving the GP tomorrow are deeply disturbing, wouldn't want them made known to people who know me. Is is acceptable to ask for referral to a neighbouring CAMHS service rather than the one where I work?

OP posts:
NameChangeCity123 · 21/12/2021 13:36

Hi OP. Sorry you're having such a tough time. You should absolutely ask for your son to access a different service and if you were my staff wanting your child to access our service, I know we would have to refer you to a different area for good practice in safeguarding, maintaining confidentially and upholding appropriateness. I honestly think this won't be an issue. Hope you are both able to get some support soon Daffodil

Spidey66 · 21/12/2021 13:50

I work for adult mental health services. Your request to be seen by a neighbouring team is perfectly reasonable and understandable and services wouldn't turn a hair.

RosesAndHellebores · 04/01/2022 21:18

Hmm. Our local CAMHS is the worst in the county. Our GP said they had tried to refer to neighbouring teams but the referrals were slammed back because it's strictly linked to home address and GP practice.

It's awfully difficult but when dd was unwell we had to pay to get anywhere vi's a vi's dd's diagnosis, prescribing and appropriate therapy.

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