How to Get a CAMHS Referral

If you are concerned about your child's mental health and think they may need professional support, getting a CAMHS referral is often the first step. The process is not always straightforward, and many parents find it confusing or frustrating.

This post explains how CAMHS referrals work, who can make them, and what to do if you are struggling to access support.

What is a CAMHS Referral?

A CAMHS referral is a formal request for your child to be assessed by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It is the gateway to NHS mental health support for children and young people, and in most cases your child will need a referral before they can be seen by CAMHS.

Who Can Make a CAMHS Referral?

In most parts of the UK, CAMHS referrals can be made by a range of professionals including your child's GP, their school, a paediatrician, a social worker, or another healthcare professional involved in your child's care.

Your GP

Your GP is the most common route to a CAMHS referral. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, making an appointment with your GP is usually the most straightforward first step. The GP will assess your child's needs and, if appropriate, make a referral to CAMHS.

Your Child's School

Schools can also initiate or support a CAMHS referral, particularly where difficulties are primarily presenting in a school context. Most schools have a SENCO or pastoral lead who can help. It is worth speaking to your child's school if you have not already done so, as their involvement can strengthen a referral.

Self-Referral

In some areas, parents can refer directly to CAMHS without going through a GP or school. This varies significantly by region, so it is worth checking whether self-referral is available in your area by contacting your local CAMHS service directly.

How to Make the Case for a Referral?

One of the most important things you can do when seeking a CAMHS referral is to be as specific as possible about how your child's difficulties are affecting their daily life. CAMHS referrals are assessed against eligibility criteria, and a clear picture of the impact on your child's functioning, including their school attendance, their relationships, their sleep, and their ability to enjoy everyday activities, will strengthen the case for referral.



It can be helpful to keep a diary of your child's difficulties in the weeks before the GP appointment, noting specific incidents, how frequently they occur, and how your child responds. This gives the GP concrete information to include in the referral rather than a general description of concerns.

What if the GP Won't Refer?

If your GP declines to refer your child to CAMHS, ask them to explain their reasoning and what they recommend instead. You have the right to ask for a second opinion, and you can request that the GP documents their decision and reasoning in writing.

If you feel strongly that your child needs a CAMHS assessment and the GP is not willing to refer, you can seek a second opinion from another GP within the same practice or register with a different practice. You can also contact your local CAMHS service directly to ask whether self-referral is an option in your area.

What Happens After the Referral?

Once a referral has been made, it will be reviewed by CAMHS and triaged to determine whether it meets the threshold for their involvement. If accepted, your child will be added to the waiting list for an assessment appointment. As we cover in our post on what happens after a CAMHS referral, the wait can be significant in many parts of the UK.

If the referral is declined, you will be informed and usually given a reason and a suggestion of alternative support. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to challenge it.

At Sulis Therapies

Navigating the CAMHS referral process can be stressful, particularly when your child needs support now. 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. There is no referral needed and no waiting list. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can help.