How long should we have to wait for our first CAMHS appointment?

[SparklePrincess]

My dd has been referred to CAMHS with possible ADD (as far as im concerned theres no possibilty there, she has ADD) Weve just received a letter saying weve been put on the waiting list for an initial appointment. Can anyone give me any indication on how long its likely to take please?

Varies from area to area. So phone up the one you have been referred to and ask how long the usual waiting time is. likely to at least be a few months, could be longer depending on the area.

Thanks TC. Its pretty bad to have to wait so long when its a childs whole life at stake here. Typical of this health service I suppose.

Ring and say you're desperate and say you'll take a cancellation appointment at short notice. Usually works, and they get cancellations frequently (which takes the mick considering how desperate their waiting lists are!)

Good luck.

Yes, good idea from teachermum.

Where are you based Sparkle? perhaps someone will have experience of the cahms in your area

In my borough it's 13 weeks.

Sadly I had to wait for over 3 months.

Are you also under the care of a developmental paediatrician?.

i waited 11 months for our first appointment. They had terrible problems with a huge backlog and lots of emergency cases brought forward.

I've waited a year so far!

have you phoned up ufm?
i kept phoning and it still took almost a year. He seemed to be stuck at no 28 for ages.
Every time i phoned they just said they could only speed things up if there was an escalation with his problems..and by that they meant things like self-harming or suicide attempts

Great idea teachermum, ill definitely ask about cancellations when I call. Think ill phone next week once the kids are back at school.
We have been referred to Uckfield CAMHS Troutpout.