"Slow and uncoordinated"

We sought help for my 14 year old daughter who was experiencing frightening hallucinations. We’ve been with CAMHS for about 3 years.

Initial contact was extremely disappointing and frustrating as my daughter was seen by 3 different counsellors in the first 3 sessions and had to go through the same questions each time.

Almost every visit to CAMHS involves taking my daughter out of school and me having to take time off work.

When a regular counsellor was found it soon became clear that talking therapy wasn’t working as the counsellor seemed unable to engage with my daughter.

We ended up having to pay for a private therapist.

So now CAMHS only provide medication and no treatment.

CAMHS appear unable to keep their staff as my daughters psychiatrist has changed 3 times.

My daughters diagnosis has changed from “low mood” to psychosis to PTSD.

We no longer rely on CAMHS for anything except medication.

In the last three visits for medication reviews we have been promised a new counsellor to coordinate with our private counsellor.

Each time nothing happens.

They have been offered family therapy at a time which would involve taking my daughter out of school and both my wife and I out of work in the middle of the working day.

We explained that was impractical as my daughter will stress herself about missing school and our employers aren’t exactly understanding.

CAMHS said they would get back to us

A montuno later they came back back with the exact same offer!

Tired of it all.

Only staying with them as I have no alternative and my daughter gets her prescription medicine from them