Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Orkney is dedicated to providing community-based support for children and young people up to 18 years facing severe and enduring mental health conditions.

CAMHS team operates as a dynamic, patient-centered, values-driven multidisciplinary unit, benefitting from the expertise of a diverse range of professionals and stakeholders. In the past, CAMHS was served by a limited group of clinicians and a service level agreement with NHS Grampian. However, in recent years, we have successfully expanded our team by recruiting additional clinicians and fully integrated CAMHS into the Integrated Joint Board.

Our accomplishments in recruiting a diverse team with a broad spectrum of clinical skills have empowered us to offer services at the local level, ensuring accessibility for our patients and their families. Our team comprises locally based professionals with backgrounds in administration, nursing, psychology, social work, as well as medical and family therapists, who engage both locally and virtually.

We operate collaboratively within a multidisciplinary framework, working alongside various agencies to assess and treat children and their families with mental health conditions, extending our support to the wider community.

Referrals to CAMHS services can be initiated by GPs, guidance teachers, and social workers. For detailed guidance and referral forms, please visit the NHS Orkney policies team page.

All referral forms and inquiries can be directed to ork.camhs@nhs.scot and urgent referrals and inquiries can be discussed promptly on 01856888950.