In emergencies, parents or carers should contact their GP within office hours and NHS 24, out of hours.
NHS 24 will make contact with CAMHS (within operational hours) or on call psychiatry.
The CAMHS Tier 2 service is a team of mental health professionals called Primary Mental Health Workers. One team covers East, Mid and West Lothian and the second team covers Edinburgh North and South.
We come from all different professional backgrounds—Art Therapies, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Mental Health nursing. We are all trained in assessing the needs of young people who are struggling with their mental health and want to help you access the right support.
What do we help with and how?
We can support young people’s mental health needs by offering an assessment through conversation with a young person and their family/carers. At your appointment we can think together about the next steps which might be best for you. The team have an awareness of local services which offer mental health supports. We will consider with you which service is best suited to meet your current needs.
How do I get referred and what happens after that?
You can discuss your mental health needs with the support of your parent or carer with your GP or school. They can then refer you to the CAMHS Tier 2 Team, if they think it is appropriate.
When we receive your referral, a CAMHS Primary Mental Health Worker will get in touch with you, to arrange an appointment to discuss your thoughts and worries. The meeting can be in person or via video—whichever feels easier for you to manage.
Where is the CAMHS Tier 2 Team located?
Primary Mental Health Workers, who work in the CAMHS Tier 2 Service, are placed in the community. We offer appointments in doctor’s surgeries and health centres in your area.
