SAMH comment on waiting time stats for CAMHS

5th September 2023

In response to the newly published figures on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), said:  

  

“The figures released today show that despite progress in some areas, too many young people continue to wait too long to receive support for their mental health. 

“Four months is a long time for anyone to wait, but it is particularly challenging for young people who are struggling. The pandemic has had huge implications for young people’s lives and education, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Add to this anxieties around the cost-of-living crisis and climate change – demand for timely and effective mental health support is only going to grow.  

“We know that the Scottish Government recognises the need for improvements to our mental health system, and in a recent meeting with the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, it was encouraging to hear the Scottish Government’s appetite to look for solutions to the long-standing problems in the system.  

“CAMHS shouldn’t be the only answer, and we desperately need a breakthrough on further systems change which is centred on the needs of young people and reaches well beyond the mental health system."

 

You can find the full statistics here: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times - Quarter ending June 2023 - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times - Publications - Public Health Scotland