We work with children, teenagers and their families in Southampton & Hampshire to understand emotional difficulties — and find a way forward, together. No judgement. No rush.
CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. We're a specialist NHS team supporting young people whose emotional or mental health difficulties are having a real impact on day-to-day life — at home, at school, or with friends.
We don't run a one-size-fits-all service. Our clinicians get to know each young person and family, understand the full picture, and build support around what actually helps. Sometimes that's therapy, sometimes it's practical strategies, sometimes it's just being heard.
Aged 5 to 18, registered with a Southampton City GP — struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-harm, eating, trauma, or thoughts that won't go away.
You know your child best. We work alongside parents, carers and siblings — because recovery is rarely a solo journey.
We partner with the people already in a child's life — teachers, GPs, social workers — so support joins up properly.
The Child & Family Centre in Ashurst isn't a hospital. It's a quiet building on Lyndhurst Road, surrounded by trees, with soft rooms, friendly faces and time to settle in. Many young people tell us their first visit felt nothing like they expected — in a good way.
Mental health looks different at every age. Our team includes child psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists and primary mental health workers — all trained to meet young people where they are, developmentally and emotionally.
If you've never been to a mental health service before, the first visit can feel daunting. Here's what to expect — no surprises, no jargon.
Most young people are referred by a GP, school, or social worker. Parents and carers can also contact us directly to talk things through. We'll send an acknowledgement and let you know what happens next.
GPs can refer via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight single point of accessYour first meeting — usually 60–90 minutes. We'll listen to what's been happening, what you'd like to change, and talk about whether CAMHS is the right fit. Sometimes we'll signpost to other support that suits better.
You can bring a parent, carer, or trusted adultIf we continue together, we'll spend time understanding the full picture — at home, at school, with friends, over the years. There's no rush. The better we understand, the better we can help.
Sessions might be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. They might involve the young person alone, the family together, or a mix. We'll agree goals and review them often. Your voice is in the room — even when you're not.
When things feel more stable, we'll plan the next chapter together — whether that's lower-level support, your GP, school counselling, or adult services. You're never just discharged into nothing.
You don't need a diagnosis or a label to get in touch. If a young person's emotional life is getting in the way of being a young person, that's enough.
We're not here to label your child. We're here to understand them — and to help your family find a way through, together.
If you're worried about a child or young person — your own, or one you care for — you can call us, or speak to a GP about a referral. There's no wrong question, and no such thing as "not serious enough".
Call our team — we'll listen, ask a few gentle questions, and help you find the right support, whether that's with us or somewhere else.
Outside our hours, if you need urgent mental health advice for a child or young person in Hampshire, call the NHS on 111 (available 24/7) or visit healthiertogether.southwest.nhs.uk for trusted local guidance.