Mental Health Pathway Referral Help Guide

Refer for Specialist CAMH services if there are;

1. Concerns Regarding Serious Mental Health. This is defined as mental, behavioural or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activity.
2. Or regarding Looked after Children (L.A.C.) - where there is concern about mental health that may lead to breakdown of placement, please make the referral to Consultation re LAC
3. Refer for the at the Centre for Child Health if there is concern regarding. Please see the Neurodevelopmental Hub Referral Criteria.
   
   • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
   • Autistic Spectrum Disorder
   • Complex ADHD cases with co-morbidity

We welcome non-urgent referrals to CAMHS from any professional who knows the child.

If there is insufficient information the referrer or referred will be contacted to ask for further details. (As this will cause delay, it is important to include as much information as possible at the outset). Further information may be sought from a referrer or family if necessary.

If the young person does not wish their parents to be informed of a referral please ensure that this is clearly stated in the referral and what the arrangements are for CAMHS making contact both telephone and written with the young person.

The referrer needs to ensure they have made the appropriate arrangements for the child/young person to attend the appointment.

Please consider issues of legal capacity when making referrals.

• Referral accepted, letter sent to young person and family if appropriate
• Signposting of referral to a more appropriate service e.g. CAMHS intervention not considered the most appropriate intervention at this stage
• Consultation to other professionals or attending a network meeting, professionals meeting or case conference, to ensure that assessment and treatment by CAMHS is the best way of meeting the young person’s needs at this time
• Helios, Neuro Hub, ITA , waiting list (expedited referrals)