Type of service: Diagnostic services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) service for children and young people (up to their 18th birthday), in Salford and Manchester, who are experiencing intense worries and distressing feelings. They also work with parents, wider family members and other key adults to understand problems better and decide what will help to make a difference. If you have problems with anxiety and moods, an eating disorder, difficulties with family and other relationships or try to harm yourself the CAMHS team can help. They also work with children and young people who have conditions such as autism, Asperger syndrome and learning disabilities. There is an emergency service if you are very unwell or harm yourself that you can access through your general practitioner (GP) or local Accident & Emergency (A&E). CAMHS delivers local services in North, South and Central Manchester and Salford, providing assessment and treatment. It also includes outreach and social workers who give ongoing support to young people in a range of different settings - e.g. children in care, in schools or in hospital. CAMHS provides a range of different services including cognitive behaviour therapy, family therapy, courses and groups for parents and carers - as well as for young people. Post diagnostic workshops can be offered to the parents and carers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are also dedicated services for specific groups of young people - for example, looked after children, adopted children, children with a learning disability and a specific service for 16-17 year olds. All of the teams can put you and your family in touch with other sources of help and support that you may need. Your GP, school nurse, social worker or other healthcare professional will usually make the initial appointment for you to see a specialist in the CAMHS team. The Social Development Clinic is a specialist Tier 4 out-patient clinic. It offers an integrated and comprehensive 'one stop shop' assessment for children with complex developmental disorders including social impairment and autism. Families are seen for concentrated one or two day assessments plus feedback sessions. There may be school-based observations. A consultation service is also provided to colleagues..

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Learning disability