What to do when CAMHS says no
If your child has been turned away by CAMHS, or told they do not meet the threshold for a service, you are not alone. CAMHS waiting lists have grown dramatically since 2020, and the threshold for acceptance into NHS services has risen accordingly. In some areas, only children assessed as at immediate risk of serious harm are accepted for specialist assessment. This is not because the system does not care. It is because it is overwhelmed.
What 'not meeting the threshold' actually means
When a CAMHS service says your child does not meet its threshold, it means the service has assessed the severity of your child's presentation against its current capacity and found that others on its list have more acute needs. It does not mean your child is fine. It does not mean their difficulties are not real. It means the NHS, in that area, at that time, cannot see them.
Your rights when CAMHS declines to assess
When CAMHS declines a referral, the referrer (usually your GP or school) should receive a written explanation. You can ask your GP for a copy of this letter. If you believe the decision was wrong, you can ask the service to reconsider or request a second-opinion referral. You can also make a formal complaint to the NHS trust. This rarely changes outcomes quickly, but it creates a paper trail that can be useful if the matter goes further.
The role of the GP
Your GP is your most important advocate in the NHS system. If your child has been turned away, go back to your GP, not just once but every time your child's presentation changes or deteriorates. Ask the GP to document the deterioration in the notes. Ask them to re-refer if the situation has changed. Ask them what other NHS pathways exist in your area, including paediatric neurodevelopmental clinics, educational psychology services, and specialist ADHD or autism pathways.
Private assessment as a bridge
A private assessment does not replace NHS care, but it can create a clear diagnostic picture that accelerates NHS treatment. A consultant-level formulation from a private psychiatrist or psychologist carries significant weight with GPs, schools, local authorities, and NHS services. It provides clarity that helps everyone, including your child, understand what is happening and what to do about it.
What to ask a private provider
When considering a private assessment, ask: who will conduct the assessment and what their registration is; what tools will be used; what you will receive in writing; and how they handle shared care with your GP. A reputable provider will answer all of these questions clearly before you commit.
If you would like to speak to our care team about whether a Blip assessment is the right next step for your child, you can begin an enquiry using the link below.
Common questions
What does it mean if CAMHS says my child doesn't meet the threshold?
It means the service has assessed your child's presentation against its current capacity and found that others on its list have more acute needs; it does not mean your child is fine or that their difficulties are not real. It reflects that the NHS in that area, at that time, cannot see them, not a judgement that nothing is wrong.
What are my rights if CAMHS declines to assess my child?
When CAMHS declines a referral, the referrer, usually your GP or school, should receive a written explanation, and you can ask your GP for a copy. You can ask the service to reconsider, request a second-opinion referral, or make a formal complaint to the NHS trust. A complaint rarely changes outcomes quickly, but it creates a paper trail that can be useful if the matter goes further. Going back to your GP every time your child's presentation changes, not just once, keeps the door open for a re-referral.
Does a private assessment help if I go back to CAMHS later?
A private assessment does not replace NHS care, but a consultant-level formulation from a private psychiatrist or psychologist carries significant weight with GPs, schools, local authorities and NHS services, and can accelerate NHS treatment by providing a clear diagnostic picture. Before booking one, ask who will conduct the assessment and what their registration is, what tools will be used, what you will receive in writing, and how they handle shared care with your GP.
If you have concerns about your child, the easiest place to start is a free call with a clinician.
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