In total, 910,567 young people were referred to CAMHS in 2023/24 with 64% not receiving treatment within four weeks while 324,029 (36%) did access treatment within four weeks.
Topic: mental health services, CAMHS
New analysis of NHS England Data from YoungMinds shows a shocking rise in the number of young people referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting over a year for treatment.
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78,577 young people referred to CAMHS waited over a year for treatment in 2023/24, an increase of over 52% on the previous year (51,866 in 2022/23).
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Of these, 34,191 waited more than two years in 2023/24, up from 24,782 in 2022/23.
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44,386 waited between one and two years for mental health treatment in 2023/24, up from 27,084 in 2022/23, a 64% increase.
The average wait after being referred to mental health services was 392 days in 2023/24. 171,134 had their referral closed before accessing support.
While the main reason for all referrals was unknown, anxiety was the top identified mental health condition. For those still waiting for help, neurodevelopmental conditions (excluding autism) was the most common reason.
YoungMinds is part of a coalition of leading organisations focused on children and young people and mental health, urging the Government to increase investment in mental health services and calling for an independent Government-commissioned review to examine the causes of the children’s mental health crisis.
Young people are being let down by a system which is forcing thousands to wait years for mental health support, with many becoming more unwell before they can access help. No young person should have to wait so long for help for their mental health, and urgent action is needed to reverse rising waiting times.
Growing up today is incredibly tough. Many young people are experiencing multiple pressures which impact their mental health, including poverty, inequality, intense academic pressure and the online world. It’s no wonder so many are struggling, and they need to be able to access mental health support much quicker.
The Government must prioritise young people’s mental health to make this happen. They urgently need to address the root causes of poor mental health and revolutionise the way young people are supported. Increased investment in early support is vital and as part of this, the Government must fulfil its promise to roll-out early support hubs in every community.
YoungMinds are calling on all young people to demand the Government keep its promise to end the crisis in young people’s mental health.
For further information and for interview requests please contact press@youngminds.org.uk or call 0203 861 2072.
The data is available here:
About YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for young people’s mental health.
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For free advice and support for parents, call our Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544.
