How CAMHS can help

Sussex CAMHS helps children and young people up to 18 years who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties which are impacting on their daily life, such as school, home, friendships or activities. 

You may have been referred to community CAMHS because you are worried about your mental health, or someone else such as a parent, carer, teacher or doctor may be worried about you. 

Our team are specially trained to help you manage the thoughts, feelings and behaviours you are struggling with. Thoughts, feelings and behaviours affect each of us differently, and we will help you understand how and why. 

Read about our referral process 

What conditions does Sussex CAMHS provide treatment and support for?  

Community CAMHS in Sussex provides treatment and support to children and young people with the following mental health conditions:

• Depression  

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder  

• Anxiety disorders as the primary presenting condition (including social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias such as emetophobia)  

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  

• Severe emotional intensity with risk such as ongoing self-harm and suicidal intent  

• Psychosis (for children and young people under the age of 14). Those aged 14+ will be seen jointly by CAMHS and the Early Intervention in Psychosis service. 

You may find the following links to other Sussex Partnership run services helpful:  

• For information about eating disorders services for children and young people in Sussex 

• For information about assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or assessment and treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)  

• For support for young people with learning disabilities

  • Brighton and Hove: CAMHS Learning Disability Service (CAMHS LD)

  • East Sussex: CAMHS Learning Disability Family Intensive Support Service (CAMHS LD FISS)

  • West Sussex: Children and Young People's Enhanced Support Services (CYPRESS)

Other conditions

If the main or only difficulty is one of the conditions listed below, other organisations are the best place to help.