Referral criteria for CYPMHS

At MyMind Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) - formerly known as CAMHS - we support young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties that are having a big impact on their daily life.

These difficulties may be ongoing and affecting things like:

• going to school or keeping up with schoolwork

• getting along with family or friends

• managing emotions and behaviour

• taking care of themselves day to day

We also support young people whose emotional distress is making it hard for them to manage the ups and downs of growing up.

Some of the challenges that might mean a young person is seen by CYPMHS (rather than another local service or organisation) include:

• feeling very low or down most of the time, with difficulty doing everyday things

• ongoing anxiety that is getting in the way of school, relationships, or daily life

• repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions) that cause distress or interfere with normal routines

• difficulties in forming safe and secure relationships, especially when it’s affecting family life

• hearing or seeing things others don't (hallucinations), strong unusual beliefs, or feeling paranoid, especially when these cause problems with relationships or self-care (we work with the Early Intervention in Psychosis team in these cases)

• eating difficulties, such as avoiding food and losing weight quickly, or bingeing and vomiting tied to body image worries

• strong reactions to trauma that are still having a big impact a month or more after the event

• regular self-harm, thoughts of suicide, or serious struggles in managing emotions and relationships

Sometimes a young person may be experiencing some problems with their mental or emotional health and wellbeing, but not need support from CYPMHS right now. If that’s the case, it doesn’t mean they’ll be left without help. We work closely with other services in the community – such as schools (including school-based mental health support teams), GPs, youth services, and third sector providers – to make sure every young person is supported in a way that best suits their needs as an individual.

We’ll always do our best to point families in the right direction if CYPMHS isn’t the most suitable place.

We also support young people who may have:

• a learning disability

• neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or autism

• emotional or mental health needs in early childhood (under age 5)

At MyMind CYPMHS, we are committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with young people and their families. We aim to provide evidence-based care that is right for your child’s age, stage of development, and individual needs.

If you’re not sure whether CYPMHS is the right place for your child, you can always speak with your GP, school, or another professional you trust, and they can help guide you.