All young people waiting for a first assessment with a clinician from Lanarkshire’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) will be offered a first appointment in the coming weeks.
The CAMHS team will be making contact by phone meaning people are being asked to keep an eye out for a call from an 0800 number.
Where possible, appointments will take place the week after they are scheduled via video or phone calls.
Appointments will be offered from Monday to Friday as well as Saturdays and Sundays between 9am to 1pm.
Dr Lisa Sigouin, the new clinical director for CAMHS, said: “We’re dedicated to ensuring we deliver services that make a positive impact on our young peoples’ lives.
“We know a number of young people have waited longer for their first appointment than we would have liked.
“Over the coming weeks we’re arranging appointments for everyone waiting for a first CAMHS appointment.
“We are focusing a lot of resources on CAMHS and have been successful in appointing a range of new staff to ensure we provide a modern multi-disciplinary service to Lanarkshire’s young people.
“This work means we’ll be contacting everyone who is on our waiting list, but hasn’t yet seen one of our clinicians. Appointments will be virtual and be available during the day and evenings, as well as weekends.
“We’re confident this flexibility means young people will receive an appointment at a date and time which suits them.”
The move comes ahead of a new £1.5 million CAMHS specialist centre opening soon in Hamilton
The new outpatient facility will treat young people under the age of 18 years’ old who are experiencing mental health issues.
Based at Udston Hospital, the specially designed centre will offer services including CAMHS assessment, neurodevelopmental treatments, talking treatments, psychiatry and medication.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, hosted by Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
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