Targeted Pathway

Introduction

This clinically led model for children, young people and families was informed by the recommendations from the Future in Mind report from the National CAMHS Taskforce, feedback from CYP, parents, and referrers and is designed to provide an evidence-based approach which will lead to the best possible outcomes for CYP and their families.

This is an outward facing model offering consultation, promoting a self-care approach where appropriate, giving advice, support and expertise within the Buckinghamshire localities.

Where are we based?

The Targeted Pathway is one of the pathways within the model. It is county-wide in Buckinghamshire and has two bases:

  • Harlow House, High Wycombe
  • Sue Nicholls Centre in Aylesbury

Purpose

Purpose statement and structure of the service:

  • Routine assessments for Children and Young People where there is an indication of a low to moderate mental health illness.
  • Evidence based interventions, either individually or within a group setting to Children and Young People with low to moderate mental health difficulties
  • Supportive interventions to parents/carers either individually, or on a group work basis where the Child or Young Person presents with low to moderate mental health difficulties
  • Services are customer facing, delivered in accessible venues, taking into account the wishes and feelings of Children and Young People and their Families.

Therapeutic interventions

Evidence-based interventions including:

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy informed work
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy informed skills
  • Play therapy for children under 11yrs

All patients will have a risk assessment and risk management plan as part of their care plan. Routine Outcome Measures are used pre and post to help support care planning.

The team

The CAMHS Targeted Pathway is a service consisting of:

  • Mental health support workers (Buddies)
  • Child Wellbeing Practitioners

The Pathway also welcomes volunteers to work within the Targeted pathway.

Hours of operation

  • The service will generally be open 9.00am to 5.00pm.
  • Single Point of Access Team operates 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Non-urgent advice: Referrals

Criteria

The Targeted pathway offers a service to children from 0-17 inclusive. Children and young people with low to moderate mental health disorders including:

  • Traits of mild Anxiety disorders
  • Mild low mood
  • Mild Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.

The pathway also supports young people who require emotional regulation work in conjunction with low-moderate mental health disorder support and DBT skills work. Playtherapy is another service that can be provided.

The pathway delivers various groups such as Teen Low Mood, Teen anxiety, DBT group, ASD/Anxiety and Parent anxiety groups. We also deliver a post diagnostic support group for parents of children under the age of 11 who have received a diagnosis of Autism.

Assessment Process

Referrals are accepted from GPs or any professional working with the young person e.g. teachers, school nurses.

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Page last reviewed: 31 January, 2024