All of the team at CAMHS are trained to work with children, young people and their families or carers. They come from a number of different backgrounds with different training and skills. You will be seen by the person who will be best able to help you. This depends upon the type of problem and the reason for your visit.
The different child mental health professionals in team usually include:
Child and adolescent psychiatrists – they are medically qualified doctors who specialise in working with young people with mental health problems and their families. They are also trained in prescribing medications used within CAMHS. The consultant has overall medical responsibility.
Clinical psychologists – they can assess and help with children’s and young people’s psychological functioning, emotional wellbeing and development. They can help you to understand the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviour in different situations like home and school. Sometimes they will work just with you but sometimes it will be with your family/carers too. Clinical Psychologists base their therapeutic work on current research evidence. Many psychologists who work in CAMHS are also called doctor but this is different to a medical doctor.
Child psychotherapists - they are trained therapists who work with children helping to manage their emotional and mental health problems
Family therapists - they are trained therapists who work with young people and their families together, to help them understand and manage the difficulties that are happening in their lives.
Mental health practitioners - they are professionals from various backgrounds such as occupational therapy, social work or mental health nurses who have been specially trained in understanding and supporting emotional, behavioural and mental health problems.
Art therapists- they are specially trained to work with young people using art materials to help you to express yourself and to show other people how you are feeling.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners – they are specialist nurses who work with children and young people with learning disabilities.