Our dedicated service, Walsall Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), is a specialised provision designed to support children, young people, and their families who are grappling with moderate to severe mental health challenges. We are an NHS-commissioned service, meaning our focus is squarely on providing essential mental health interventions to those who need them most within our community.
Currently, our support extends to young people up to their 18th birthday, provided their General Practitioner (GP) is registered within the Walsall area. We understand the unique pressures and complexities that young people face, and our aim is to offer a compassionate and effective pathway to improved mental well-being.
The journey to receiving support from Walsall CAMHS begins with a referral. Once an appropriate referral is submitted, our team will arrange an initial assessment appointment for the young person. This crucial meeting offers a safe and confidential space for the young person, alongside their family or carers, to openly discuss their mental health needs with a qualified CAMHS clinician. It's a two-way conversation, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and challenges.
Following this assessment, there are a few possible outcomes. It may become apparent that a specialist mental health service like CAMHS isn't the most suitable avenue for their specific needs. In such instances, we won't leave you without options. Our clinicians will actively discuss alternative support pathways and, where feasible, assist in the referral process to these more appropriate services. Our priority is always to ensure young people receive the right help, even if it's not directly through our service.
Conversely, if it's determined that CAMHS can indeed offer valuable support, we will then collaborate with the young person and their family to discuss and agree upon suitable interventions. For those cases where therapeutic intervention is deemed appropriate, young people are thoughtfully allocated a dedicated clinician. This ensures continuity of care and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. Regular appointments are then scheduled to undertake the agreed-upon interventions, all with the overarching goal of fostering positive mental health outcomes for children and young people across Walsall.
It's important to note that while our primary focus is Walsall, we also accept referrals for children and young people who are registered with a Black Country GP, again, right up until their 18th birthday.
We believe in the power of direct engagement, and as such, our service primarily offers in-person support. This allows for a more personal and often more effective therapeutic interaction. As an integral part of the National Health Service, all our provisions are delivered under the NHS umbrella, ensuring high standards of care and accessibility for eligible young people and their families.
