You Are Already Doing Something Right

In psychotherapy, we talk a lot about the importance of the relationship between a child and their caregiver. Research consistently shows that the most protective thing in a child's life is having at least one adult who truly knows them, believes in them, and shows up for them. That adult is you.

While CAMHS has the specialist clinical skills to assess and treat, you have something they cannot replicate: you are your child's person. The security that comes from that relationship is not a small thing. It is, in fact, the foundation of everything.

So before we get into the practical steps, know this: your presence, your warmth, and your willingness to seek help are already doing more than you realise.

Keep a Record of What You Are Seeing

One of the most useful things you can do while waiting is to keep a simple diary of what you are noticing. Not a clinical document, just honest notes. When does your child seem most anxious? What sets off a meltdown? What time of day do they seem most themselves? How are they sleeping, eating, and connecting with others?

This does two things. It gives CAMHS incredibly useful information when your appointment finally arrives. And it helps you, as a parent, to spot patterns you might otherwise miss in the blur of daily life.

You do not need a special notebook. The notes app on your phone is fine.

Talk to Your Child's School

School is where your child spends most of their waking hours, and the adults there can be powerful allies. Ask to speak to the school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator). Every school in England is required to have one.

The SENCO can put support in place while your child is waiting for a CAMHS assessment. This might include extra check-ins with a trusted adult, reduced pressure around certain tasks, or a quiet space to go when things feel overwhelming. You do not need a diagnosis for any of this. You just need to have the conversation.

If your child is in the early years or at nursery, speak to their key person. Early years practitioners are trained to notice and respond to emotional wellbeing, and a good key person can be a genuine source of comfort for a young child.

Reach Out to YoungMinds

YoungMinds is one of the UK's leading children's mental health charities and their support for parents is genuinely excellent. Their Parents Helpline is free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand exactly what you are going through.

You can call them on 0808 802 5544, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. There is no judgement, no waiting list, and no question too small.

They also have a wealth of online resources at youngminds.org.uk including guidance on specific conditions, how to talk to your child about mental health, and what to expect from CAMHS.

Use the NHS's Own Resources

The NHS has a dedicated mental health section for children and young people at nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults. It covers everything from anxiety and depression to eating concerns and self-harm, written in clear and accessible language.

If you are ever unsure whether what you are seeing requires urgent attention, you can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. This connects you with a trained mental health professional who can help you decide what to do next.

Anna Freud and the Youth Wellbeing Directory

Anna Freud is one of the most respected children's mental health organisations in the UK, and their website at annafreud.org has resources for both parents and young people. Their Youth Wellbeing Directory can help you find local support services in your area while you wait.

This is particularly useful if you are looking for community-based groups, drop-in services, or peer support that does not require a referral.