How do I get a CAMHS referral for my child?

The most common route: your GP

Most CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) referrals come through the GP. Book an appointment, describe what you're seeing, and ask explicitly for a CAMHS referral. The GP refers using a standard form; they usually don't need to commit to a diagnosis, just to the clinical concern.

What helps at the GP visit:

• A written summary of what's happening, for how long, and what's been tried.
• Specific examples (sleep, mood, behaviour, school refusal, self-harm if present).
• Any school SENDCO observations or letters.
• A clear ask: a CAMHS referral, not generic “help for my child's anxiety.”

Other routes in

• School / SENDCO referral. In many areas, schools can refer directly to CAMHS or to a mental-health-in-schools team. Ask your child's SENDCO whether this is an option locally.
• Self-referral via a Single Point of Access (SPA). Some ICBs run a single triage front door for children's mental health where parents can refer without going through the GP. Search “[your area] CAMHS single point of access”.
• A&E or NHS 111 in a mental health crisis. If your child is at immediate risk of serious harm, the crisis pathway is A&E or 999. Most areas also have a CAMHS crisis team accessible via 111 option 2.

Why CAMHS often says no

CAMHS thresholds are high. National figures show roughly a quarter to a third of children referred to CAMHS are declined at triage, often because the issue is judged not severe enough or is considered better handled by a different service (school-based counselling, primary mental health teams, parenting support).

Common reasons for decline:

• The referral doesn't describe a specific clinical concern severe enough to meet the threshold.
• The referral is for a neurodevelopmental assessment (autism, ADHD) and CAMHS has signposted that to a different service.
• The referral overlaps with school-based or community mental health provision the child should access first.

What to do if declined

1. Ask for the decline in writing, with the reason. You need this for any escalation.
2. Ask your GP to re-refer with more specific evidence (frequency, severity, impact on school and family). Often the second referral, framed to meet the threshold, succeeds.
3. Use the signposted alternative. If CAMHS pointed to a school-based service or primary mental health team, engage with it; many parents discover the support there is more practical.
4. Escalate via the ICB's patient experience team or PALS if the decline appears unreasonable for your child's presentation.

This page is general information, not clinical or legal advice.