Finding a private alternative to CAHMS

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My DS16 is very depressed. We're limping through the xmas holidays. He's been accepted by CAHMS but is on the waiting list which I understand anecdotally is about 18 months long. He's having counselling at school and we'd be happy to keep going with that privately once his in-school sessions finish. I'm wondering if we should seek private psychiatric help though, perhaps with a view to medication. I'm very uneasy about meds but realise it should be explored. I'm not really getting anywhere with Googling private psychiatrists. I'll ask around locally but just wondered what other people have done re. finding paid-for help. We don't have private medical insurance but do have a reasonable income.

Another vote for Priory, DS (12) at the time who was never depressed but have rare psychosis symptoms, it effected him so bad that he could not function normally.

He could not even reach a CAMHS psychiatrists despite our GPs had been trying, the people who carried out the initial assessment at CAMHS simply not trained to understand anything outside the 'norm', they are also not medically trained.

Our private psychiatrists put him on medication on day one and he got a lot better after few weeks.

We waited 6 weeks before our first appointment so I would suggest you to book it asap.

You don't say where you're based but by putting CAMHS+psychiatrist+private into Google, the first few listings seem as though they may offer what you are after; Clinical Partners and Psymplicity.

Round here, I know it's possible to access the CAMHS crisis team by presenting at A&E as well as by phoning the duty desk. If you're already on a waiting list, you may find that speaking to the duty desk and explaining that the situation has escalated may result in a faster appointment - this happened during the summer term for a child I teach.

My daughter (14) is under a private psychiatrist at Psymplicity Healthcare, we have an appointment next month to discuss meds after going thru the autism assessment with the same psych.

DD, y11.
We went to The Priory purely because I have heard of them.
The GP generated a referral letter for us for a consultant psychiatrist.
There was still a 2 month waiting list (referred in Sept, seen in Nov).
Cost us just over £550 for 2 initial consultations plus initial meds which GP repeats on NHS.
Started meds mid November, we now have sparks of our old DD back.
Expecting a follow up appt in Jan which no doubt will be £££ again.

It hasn't solved the anxiety, but she is starting to engage in schoolwork and other things again.

If you look at the Young Minds website they list counsellors. My daughter saw a Psycologist privately and we just googled and went on Young Minds and I did free telephone meetings until we found one that I thought may help. Did this alongside structured routine, lots of being there for her, healthy food, vitamins, exercise walks: online keepfit. If he’s threatened to kill himself and you’re seriously worried then maybe go to A&E. if he’s low and then will have the odd meal when he’s chatty then low again, maybe a private Psycologist will help? At least to start with . I’m personally a really big believer in some form of structure helping so their day isn’t a whole blur. Also take a look at Tanya Byron’s website she also has links to help young people. Good luck - I feel for you - it’s a very difficult time for teenagers and of course for you xx

I had to ask this so I'll write this in case you don't know:

A psychiatrist and prescribe meds to under 18s that a GP can't.
A psychologist can't.

Yes you need a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I don’t think camhs is fit for purpose unfortunately, not that there aren’t great people working in it; but they are under resourced. I would recommend looking at the priory ; also you can ask GP for a recommendation. It is worth the money in my view just to be able to see someone urgently. Also camhs tend to just give medication - and this isn’t always the only approach

Hi, this is so hard, I’ve been there with my now 18year old. To be honest Chams was a waste of time, but had to tick boxes, different person every time we went. Talked to her like she was 10, every time we went because it was a different person they wanted her to go over everything again, in the end she walked out
We found a private child psychiatrist, who saved her, she did end up prescribing her anti depressants but she’s now off them. This dr was a wonderful help, I could call her and see her in a few days.
She is based in south London
It does get better with the right help

We have a local private hospital, I think it’s a spire and they have a variety of consultants including a psychiatrist. Try to find your nearest private hospital and give them a phone.

An initial assessment with CAMHs doesn’t mean your son will even see a Psychiatrist. From my experience, young people are often seen by clinical nurses or counsellors at CAMHs.