Getting mental health support through CAMHS

Getting mental health support through CAMHS Subheading: What CAMHS actually is, how you get seen, and what to do if things get urgent.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you need to talk to someone urgently, call NHS 24 on 111.

On this page

Getting referred

CAMHS is the NHS mental health service for young people in Scotland. It covers you up to around your 18th birthday.

You usually can't refer yourself. Someone else has to, most often a GP. Sometimes it's a school, a health visitor, or a social worker.

“I think I need to be seen by CAMHS, can you refer me?”

You don't need the right words for what's going on. "I'm not okay" is enough.

What CAMHS is actually like

Your first appointment is mostly a conversation. Someone, usually a psychologist, nurse, or therapist, asks how you've been feeling and what's been going on. There's no test to pass.

  • Your parent or carer is often part of the first appointment, especially if you're younger

  • It's rarely a single visit. Expect several sessions, not a one-off fix

  • What happens next depends on you: often talking therapy, sometimes a referral for something more specific, occasionally medication

  • What you say is mostly kept private. "Your say" below covers exactly how that works at your age

There's no wrong way to answer.

"I don't know" counts as an answer too.

Waiting for your appointment

It can take weeks or months to get seen. That's normal here. It's not a sign no one's taking this seriously.

  • How long depends on where you live

  • Your GP or school can usually tell you roughly how long it's taking near you right now

  • If things get worse while you wait, say so. You can ask to be seen sooner

  • Some areas offer extra support while you wait, like a helpline or drop-in. Ask what's available near you

If it’s urgent

CAMHS isn't open at night or on weekends. If it's urgent, here's where to go instead:

  • Life in danger right now: call 999, or go to A&E

  • Needs sorting urgently, but not life or death: call NHS 24 on 111

  • During the day, you can also call CAMHS directly. The number's on your health board's website, or ask your GP - find your GP here

Know your rights - youth

Your say

You get a say in your own care. How much depends on your age.

  • Under 12: your parent or carer is part of these conversations too, as well as you

  • 12 to 15: you can make these decisions yourself. You don't need a parent's permission

  • 16 or over: it works the same as it would for an adult. It's your call

Whatever your age, you should be asked what you think, and be listened to.

Asking for help is the first step, not the whole job. Waits can be long, and that's not your fault. You're allowed to keep asking while you wait.

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