CAMHS vs Private Therapy: What's the Difference?

If you are trying to decide between waiting for CAMHS and pursuing private therapy for your child, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions parents face when their child is struggling with their mental health, and the answer is not always straightforward.

This post sets out the key differences between the two to help you make an informed decision.

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS, or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, is the NHS service responsible for supporting young people up to the age of eighteen with mental health difficulties. It is free at the point of use and covers a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to more complex presentations.



CAMHS is a tiered service, meaning that the level of support offered depends on the severity of a young person's needs. Tier 1 covers universal support such as school-based counselling, while Tiers 2 and 3 provide more specialist assessment and treatment. Most parents who are referred to CAMHS will be accessing Tier 2 or 3 services.

What is Private Therapy?

Private therapy involves accessing therapeutic support outside of the NHS, typically through an independent practitioner or private clinic. You pay for the sessions directly, either out of pocket or through private health insurance. There are no eligibility thresholds or waiting lists, and you can usually begin treatment within days or weeks of making contact.



Private therapists vary widely in their training, experience and areas of specialism. It is important to ensure that any private therapist you choose is properly qualified and accredited, and that they have specific experience working with children and young people if that is relevant to your situation.

The Key Differences

Cost

CAMHS is free. Private therapy involves a fee per session, which at Sulis Therapies is £85 for CBT and £100 for EMDR. For many families this is a significant consideration, and it is worth checking whether your child is covered by private health insurance before ruling out private therapy on cost grounds.

Waiting times

CAMHS waiting times in many parts of the UK are significant, with routine referrals often involving waits of twelve months or more. Private therapy typically involves no waiting list, with appointments available within days or weeks.

Eligibility

CAMHS operates within strict eligibility criteria. Not every young person who needs support will meet the threshold for CAMHS involvement. Private therapy has no eligibility threshold. If your child is struggling and would benefit from support, a private therapist can work with them regardless of whether they would qualify for CAMHS.

Continuity

In CAMHS, your child may see different clinicians at different points in their care. In private therapy, they will typically work with the same therapist throughout, which allows for a more consistent and continuous therapeutic relationship.

Flexibility

CAMHS appointments are offered during standard working hours. Private therapists often offer appointments in the evenings and at weekends, making it easier to fit therapy around school and family life.

Does Accessing Private Therapy Affect a CAMHS Referral?

No. Accessing private therapy does not affect your child's position on the CAMHS waiting list or their eligibility for CAMHS support. The two are entirely separate, and many families access private therapy while simultaneously waiting for or receiving CAMHS support.

Which is Right for My Child?

There is no single right answer. For families who cannot afford private therapy, CAMHS remains an important and valuable service despite its limitations. For families who are able to access private therapy and whose child needs support now rather than in twelve months, private therapy is often the more practical option.



Some families choose to begin private therapy while waiting for CAMHS, and then review the situation when their CAMHS appointment arrives. Others choose private therapy from the outset, preferring the continuity, flexibility and speed of access it offers.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, we offer specialist private CBT and EMDR therapy for children and young people up to the age of 26, delivered online across the UK. We typically have availability within a matter of weeks, and offer a free initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and find out how we can help.