For young people who pose an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others an immediate call to the police or ambulance service may needed in the first instance to keep the young person or others safe. This should be followed by an urgent referral by phone and then in writing to specialist CAMHS. This may be required if you are concerned that there is an immediate risk of harm to self or others due to:
- symptoms of severe depression with current suicidal thoughts, intention and/or history
- severe psychotic symptoms.
Young people who are in need of an immediate mental health assessment will be seen at Torbay Hospital by one of the CAMHS Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team.
If there is a presentation of Anorexia Nervosa with a physical presentation that suggests a possible risk to life, urgent admission to an acute paediatric ward should be sought as well as referral to specialist CAMHS.
Urgent assessments are carried out within five working days for those referrals that indicate the young person has:
- significant symptoms of depression where suicidal ideation may be present but no clear intention identified currently
- symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa with physical symptoms / abnormal vital signs
- severe unexplained deterioration in emotional/behavioural state at home or school, not thought to be due to drugs, alcohol or physical illness.
Where there are severe and persistent symptoms that have not responded to intervention at PMHW or that are having a significant impact on the life of the young person, will be assessed by Specialist CAMHS General factors to consider include;
- The severity of the current difficulty.
- The complexity of the young person’s history.
- Whether there have been enduring difficulties over a period of time.
- The level of commitment from the young person and their family to engage with the service.
- Whether Early Help, or other assessment framework identifies significant mental health concerns.
- Whether the mental health/emotional needs of the child can be met by the professionals currently involved or whether a range of primary mental health interventions have been tried and proved unsuccessful.
- When a parent is struggling with a severe mental illness.
Consent must be sought prior to referral.
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health. Initial support through Midwifery and Health Visitor services initially. CAMHS Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Practitioner works closely with Adult Perinatal team and Health visiting and midwifery services.
Where there are severe and persistent mental health symptoms that have not responded to intervention at PMHW level or that are having a significant impact on the life of the young person, consultation via telephone can be sought or referral can be made to Torbay Specialist CAMHS who accept referrals of:
- young people (under 18) registered with a Torbay G.P. with significant mental health needs.
- in addition they may have a learning disability and or a pervasive developmental disorder such as an Autistic Spectrum condition; however this should not be the primary reason for referral.
Please note: Behavioural disturbance may be evident but may not necessarily constitute a mental health disorder.
For resources and advice;
If you are worried about a child or young person’s emotional health and wellbeing, often their needs can be met without coming to CAMHS, advice and resources are available through CAMHS website.