This article was written by Kooth mental health writer, Georgia, and contains the following themes: CAMHS, mental health.

Decoding CAMHS: Explaining Common Terms in Simple Words

Navigating through CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) might seem like entering a whole new world with its own language! But don’t worry, we’re here to decode some common terms for you in the simplest way possible.

CAMHS might be called different things depending on where you live in the UK. For example, in Wales, it’s commonly called Specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (SCAMHS). If you’re unsure, you can always ask your doctor, or a mental health professional like a school counsellor.

Assessment

An assessment is when someone asks you questions to understand how you’re feeling and what might help you. It’s like a friendly chat to figure out how to best support you.

Care Coordinator

A care coordinator will be assigned to you to oversee your interventions / care. These can be any professionals working in CAMHS including nurses, therapists, social workers, and they may even do home visits, and come to see you in your homes, so it can be helpful to know who they are.

Care Plan/Treatment Plan

A care plan or treatment plan is a map of actions that identifies your needs and strengths as a young person. This plan can help both you and your mental health professional identify what things may be difficult for you, so you can plan goals and treatments together that maybe helpful.

CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy where people can identify any issues and talk them out. It explores the link between emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and teaches people ways to cope and manage their issues.

Confidentiality

This means that any information you provide to CAMHS services must be kept private unless you agree to it being shared with other people. The only time this might not be the case is if there are concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else. Staff at CAMHS will always try to tell you if they need to share your information with anyone else.

Consent

Saying ‘yes’ to something that affects you. You may also hear ‘informed consent’ which means that you know and understand what you are saying yes to. If you are unable to consent because of your age or you do not fully understand, CAMHS may ask your family/carers to consent on your behalf.

Counsellor

A counsellor is another type of person who listens to you and helps you make sense of your feelings. They might also give you tips on how to cope with things better.

Crisis

A crisis is when you need urgent help for your mental health and wellbeing. A crisis can feel overwhelming, and it might seem as if the coping skills you usually have no longer work. A crisis can be very unpleasant but can also be an opportunity for real, positive change.

If you or someone you know is going through a crisis it’s important to talk to someone and get urgent help.

Emotional wellbeing

This is about having the ability to understand effectively manage thoughts, feelings and actions in a way that helps us function in our day to day lives.

Intervention

This is another word for ‘support’ or ‘treatment’ which can help you to get better.

Medication

Medication is special medicine prescribed by a doctor. Some medications are prescribed to help with certain mental health problems. You should only take medication prescribed by a doctor, and if you have any side effects, or issues, you should always talk to a medical professional.

Protective factors

Protective factors are things in a person’s life which can protect them from risks that can increase the chances of mental health difficulties, or worsening mental health. Protective factors can be things like having good relationships with friends and family, having hobbies or being involved positively with your community.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a special doctor who helps with mental health problems. They can give you advice and sometimes prescribe medicine to help you feel better.

Recovery

The process of helping you feel better or mentally well after a period of illness or experienced difficulties. However, in mental health recovery means different things to different people, and recovery is personal. What’s important is building a life that is meaningful to you as an individual.

Referral

A referral is when someone, like a teacher or a doctor, suggests that you go to CAMHS for some extra help with your feelings. It’s like being recommended to go to a place where they can help you feel better or more able to cope.

Risk factors

Risk factors are things that can increase the chances of mental health difficulties developing or worsening. These can be as a result of difficult experiences or currently challenging circumstances.

Therapist

A therapist is someone who helps people with their feelings and thoughts. They listen to you and give you advice on how to feel better.

Therapy

Therapy is when you meet with a therapist or a counsellor to talk about your feelings and work on feeling better. It’s a bit like a regular chat, but with someone who knows lots about feelings and how to help.

Trauma

Trauma can happen when a person has gone through a very stressful, frightening or distressing event. Traumatic events can happen at any age and have a lasting impact. Sometimes people are impacted quickly following a traumatic event, whereas others aren’t affected for a long time. What we find traumatic is different for different people.

Triggers

Lots of different things can bring on or worsen symptoms when it comes to mental health. These are sometimes called triggers because a situation, thought or feeling may trigger someone to feel less able to cope.

Understanding these terms can make your journey through CAMHS feel a bit less confusing. Remember, everyone at CAMHS is here to help you feel better, and it’s okay to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.