The South CAMHS service is a community mental health service that supports children and young people with mental health needs.

A parent of a child who used the service said: “The lady we saw took great care to really listen to and engage my child and to try to understand her experiences from her point of view. The appointment did not feel rushed and she gave me time as a parent to talk about my worries and concerns.”

South CAMHS Microsoft Teams Gallery View Photo

The service includes two assessment and treatment pathways. These pathways are called Getting Help and Getting More Help. The service functions as a multidisciplinary team and is made up of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, family therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, mental health practitioners, assistant psychologists, occupational therapists and an amazing administrative team.

A young person who left a review wrote: “Really good service, helped me to realise what was wrong. Also helped me to find compromises instead of losing my temper.”

The children, young people and their families initially receive a comprehensive assessment, with a collaborative care plan being formulated. The team offers a range of psychological support which is delivered either on an individual basis, through Group Therapy, Family Therapy clinics and the Family Support Service. they also work closely with our local schools, Social Care, Police and Charitable partners.

Kelly Garside, Clinical team manager said: “I am extremely proud of the South CAMHS Service. The entire team work very hard to offer the community the best service that is possible.

“During the Pandemic the team have drawn on each other’s strengths, and with their determination to meet the needs of the community have continued to offer assessments and psychological interventions to the young people and families.”

One parent said the support had been “exceptional” and the gentleman supporting was a “fantastic ‘box’ of information and guidance for both myself and my son.”

A further parent is feeling positive about future prospects for their child, and said: “We are leaving feeling confident that my child is in a better place mentally and that we have the tools to deal with any problems that may occur in the future.”

You can find out more about this service here.