THE national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.
Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December – the Scottish Government standard is 90%.
The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.
The statistics also show 50% of the children and young people starting treatment started within four weeks of referral, which is a decrease from six weeks the previous quarter.
Mental wellbeing minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.
“We want everyone to get the support they need when they need it.
“Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.
“However, we are on the right path and the £123m we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”
CAMHS has been the only service providing mental health support to young people in Scotland.
As an alternative, the Scottish Government has provided a targeted investment of over £65m in community-based mental health support, between 2020 and 2024-25, and £16m annual spend on school counselling services in addition to this.
