General Q&A’s 
What is CAMHS?
-CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, which is said as “calms”. Here we help children and young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing persistent, complex or severe mental health difficulties.
What is a CAMHS Clinician?
-A ‘CAMHS clinician’ is the person you will see when you come to CAMHS. It’s another way of saying ‘the person in CAMHS who is helping me’. All our clinicians in CAMHS are specially trained to help with mental health difficulties. We have different types of mental health professionals working in CAMHS, such as nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists.
How do I get help from CAMHS?
- If you think you need help from CAMHS the first thing to do is talk to someone you trust. A professional, guidance teacher, Social Worker, Educational Psychologist or GP, can make a referral to us. Please note, schools can only refer for Neurodevelopmental assessment and/or possible learning disability. Sometimes we are not the right people to help you, and you will be signposted to a more appropriate service.
If I come to CAMHS, what are you going to do?
- We will talk to you about your difficulties and help you make sense of them. We will support you and work with you in making changes to meet your needs. We will always talk things through with you and explain why it will be helpful.
Will I be added to a waiting list to be seen by CAMHS?
- We do have a waiting list and the time you will wait depends on how many other young people also need help. We work hard to make sure you get seen as soon as possible. You may find out resource pack useful to see what other services are available whilst you wait. 👉 Click here to access our resource pack
I am coming for my first appointment – what is it going to be like?
- When you come for your first appointment, you will meet with a CAMHS clinician. We will ask you some questions that will help us learn about you and what is going on for you that brought you to CAMHS. It is ok for you to ask us questions too. Together we will come up with a personalised plan for you. It is okay to:
- talk about how you are feeling
- say there is something specific you want to talk about
- say if you do not understand something
- say if you are uncomfortable or scared talking about something
- ask why something is being suggested
- say you are not happy with something
- say you need a break
- bring a trusted adult with you if you need support or want help to ask questions
What happens if I do not turn up to my appointment (often called DNA – Did not Attend)
- If you do not turn up to your appointment, we will send you one further appointment. If you do not attend your 2nd appointment, we will assess your referral, and you may be discharged from our service. If you can not make your appointment, please let us know or ask someone around you to let us know. You can call us on 01750 23715 or email camhs.secretaries@borders.scot.nhs.uk.
Where will I be seen for my first appointment?
- You will likely be seen at The Andrew Lang Unit in Selkirk for your first appointment. If you have any disabilities that we should be aware of prior to the appointment, please contact us. This includes access as we do not have wheelchair access so we would arrange an appointment at another suitable location.
How long will my appointment take?
- First appointments usually take 1 hour.
What should I do if I change my address or telephone number?
- You must contact us to change your details. We are not notified by your GP if your address changes. 