Generalised emotional and behavioural difficulties that are causing concern or distress or are impacting on health, development and welfare. Schools may wish to involve the Social, Emotional and Behaviour Support/Thrive advisory teachers or Educational Psychology Service. School counsellor or Checkpoint Counselling services.

For young people who pose an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others an immediate call to the police or ambulance service may be needed in the first instance to keep the young person or others safe. This should be followed by an urgent referral by phone and then in writing to specialist CAMHS. This may be required if you are concerned that there is an immediate risk of harm to self or others due to:

  • symptoms of severe depression with current suicidal thoughts, intention and/or history
  • severe psychotic symptoms.

Young people who are in need of an immediate mental health assessment will be seen at Torbay Hospital by one of the CAMHS Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team.

If there is a presentation of Anorexia Nervosa with a physical presentation that suggests a possible risk to life, urgent admission to an acute paediatric ward should be sought as well as referral to specialist CAMHS.