In Scotland, there are on average 100 referrals a day being made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) according to a recent report. 

The report by Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, also found 88 percent of adults were worried about children and young people’s mental health.

Increase in young people reporting mental health conditions

Data from the 2022 Census shows that the number of people in Scotland who say they have a mental health condition has doubled over the past decade - with young people most likely to be affected.  The census data revealed it was more common for younger people to report a mental health condition than older age groups which is a reverse of the 2011 census results.  Among 16 to 24 year olds, females are twice as likely as males to report a mental health condition.

Mental health support for children and young people

According to the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, one in four young people in Scotland face mental health challenges every week.  Furthermore, nearly one in ten 5 to 16 year olds have a mental illness that could be clinically diagnosed but don’t have access to the right support.

The Scottish Government standard states that 90% of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services).  The latest release by Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides an update of how long people waited to start treatment with CAMHS in NHSScotland for the quarter ending September 2024.  It shows that 89.1% of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral, which is an increase from 84.1% for the previous quarter.  This percentage represents 3,801 children and young people who have started treatment between July and September 2024.

Referrals to CAMHS is not the only route for mental health support for children and young people.  Between April 2023 and March 2024, the charity Childline delivered 4,485 counselling sessions to young people in Scotland about mental and emotional health and wellbeing, equating to approximately 12 sessions a day.  And in Glasgow alone, almost 2,500 pupils received counselling or therapeutic support in the city’s primary and secondary schools between July 2023 and March 2024  according to a report by the city’s education committee.

Getting help for your mental health

The charity SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) say that by the time they’re 16, three children in every classroom will have experienced a mental health problem.  They say that for anyone concerned about their mental health, or the mental health of a friend or family member, it’s really important to seek help. Sometimes this can be as simple as discussing it with a friend or trusted adult, but sometimes professional help is needed. Making an appointment with your GP is a good place to start.

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Counselling for children and young people

HDS can offer counselling for children and young people.  We have limited availability but are happy to discuss potential referrals.

Our counsellors are trained to help you explore your feelings and experiences in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Talking therapies have the greatest positive impact on mental health according to a survey carried out by the UK Council for Psychotherapy.  HDS can offer face-to-face or online counselling.

Click here to find out more about HDS counselling services

Training to support children and young people’s mental health

HDS offers a range of professional and academic training courses.  Our part-time training courses are popular with people working in ‘people-facing’ professions.  For example: health and social care services, teachers, third sector and private practice counselling. We have courses that will equip those working with children to develop their knowledge and expertise as they continue to support children and young people’s mental health.

Click here to find out more about training at HDS