Transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS: A Guide for Young People
As you transition from childhood to adulthood, it’s important to be aware of how mental health services change. While you might be used to the support provided by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) can look quite different.
Understanding the transition
Your current CAMHS support team will likely discuss the transition with you and provide information about the options available in your area.
Keep in mind that the criteria for accessing AMHS can be different from CAMHS, so you may need to be reassessed.
AMHS often has stricter eligibility criteria than CAMHS, so some people who have been eligible for support from CAMHS, won’t meet the criteria for AMHS. In this case, you should be informed of other options for support once you leave CAMHS.
CAMHS to AMHS
If you meet the criteria for AMHS, you may experience some changes in your support. This could include:
- Different support staff – you might have new therapists, doctors, counsellors or caseworkers
- Different locations – appointments may take place at new facilities
- Less frequent appointments – your sessions may be less frequent than in CAMHS
- Less contact with your support team – you may have less interaction with your care providers
- Criteria for access – AMHS often has stricter eligibility criteria than CAMHS
These changes can be daunting and challenging for some young people. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and many others have successfully transitioned between CAMHS and AMHS.
Building resilience and independence
Transitioning to adulthood involves learning to cope with challenges on your own. This doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone, but it does mean developing resilience, independence, and confidence to help you through life.
Chances are, you have been made familiar with different ways to cope on your own already, but having a few options for when you don’t have access to outside support is always a good idea.
Here are some tips for building these skills:
- Learn coping techniques – practice self care strategies like mindfulness, meditation, or exercise
- Join support groups – connect with others who are going through similar experiences
- Seek alternative services – explore options like therapy, counselling, or online resources
Remember that feeling good all the time isn’t realistic. There will be times when nothing works but you can practice being comfortable with feeling your negative emotions as well as your positive ones. Learning coping techniques that work for you can really help when things become too much.
Finding support after CAMHS
Even if you don’t meet the criteria for AMHS, there are still many resources available to support your mental health.
Your local council may be able to provide information about local support groups and charities and your CAMHS team can also offer referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask your CAMHS team about these options and see what support might be available to you.
There are several options for therapies that can be accessed in person or remotely by phone or online. Some of these might be accessible through charities and won’t cost anything or charge a small amount, but other services are paid for and can cost a lot. In either case, there can be long waiting times for some of these services.
Look in your local area for different options such as support groups and 1-1 support. There might be different offers of support that are better suited to you and your lifestyle compared to what was provided by CAMHS, so keep an open mind and explore what’s available.
Challenging decisions about your care
Things can change over time. Even if you didn’t meet the criteria for AMHS but your mental health has declined, you should speak to your doctor about what support might be available to you. This can be at any time, even if you transitioned out of CAMHS years ago.
If you have reached a point where you have serious concerns about the mental health treatment you are receiving, you have the right to make a complaint. You might be able to access the support of an advocate to help you with the complaints procedure.
Getting help now
Charities such as Mind and YoungMinds share useful information about what happens when you move from CAMHS to AMHS and the challenges that you may face along the way.
If you need to reach out to someone and don’t know where to turn, Meic is here to support you and can help you work through your situation. Meic offers free information, advice and advocacy for those under 25 in Wales. Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp message, text or online chat from 8am to midnight every day.
Other helplines can be accessed for more specific mental health support and several are available 24 hours a day, such as Samaritans, Shout and Papyrus.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out for support if you need it.
