Falling numbers of UK children and young people receiving treatment from mental health trusts

Figures from Pulse, obtained under freedom of information legislation, have been released. Data from 15 mental health trusts in the UK has revealed the number of under 18s, referred for help from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), who are not receiving it. The data has highlighted the lack of treatment that young people and children are receiving for mental health problems. Across England 61% of under 18 year olds referred for help from CAMHS in 2015 did not receive treatment, with a third not even receiving assessment. Within specific Foundations the fall in under 18s receiving treatment from 2013 to 2015 is significant. The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust had 46% of young people receiving treatment in 2013, compared to 20% in 2015. Similarly, the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation went from 42% to 26% last year. The data shows an increasingly restricted access to CAMHS support for children and young people. Read more here.