CAMHS · South East

CAMHS at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust runs children and young people's mental health or neurodevelopmental services in the South East region. Here is how referrals in, waiting times and support during the wait actually work, and what you can do today.

Step 1

Ask for the referral in writing

Referrals into University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust's children's services usually come from a GP, school (SENCO or pastoral lead), school nurse or health visitor, and many areas run a single point of access where parents can refer directly. Whoever refers, put the day-to-day impact in writing: specific incidents, effects on sleep, eating, school and family life, and anything that touches on safety. Detail is what gets a referral through triage.

Step 2

Get the current local wait from the source

National statistics hide huge local variation, so ask the trust directly: its website and board papers often publish current waits, and its Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) must respond to enquiries. Ask two questions: the current wait from referral to first appointment, and the wait from first appointment to treatment or assessment. They are often very different numbers.

Step 3

Put school support in place now

Nothing about the CAMHS queue stops support starting today. School can put SEN support in place without a diagnosis, and you can request an EHC needs assessment at any time: the legal test does not require a diagnosis or a CAMHS report. Our free EHCP timeline calculator shows the deadlines that apply from the day you ask.

Step 4

Know the crisis routes

If things escalate while you wait: call 111 and choose the mental health option (24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, or call Childline on 0800 1111. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. Crisis support does not depend on being seen by CAMHS first.

The national picture, for context: young people wait an average of 304 days for NHS mental health support (YoungMinds, Sep to Nov 2025) and over 255,000 children are on a waiting list (Children's Commissioner, March 2025). Local waits at individual trusts can be shorter or far longer, which is why it is always worth asking University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust directly for its current figures.
The wait doesn't pause your family's life. While the referral works through the queue, a specialist can help with what's happening now: meltdowns, sleep, school anxiety, and preparing evidence that will be useful when the appointment comes. No referral or diagnosis needed, £80 flat.Talk to a specialist while you wait
Meanwhile

Support that starts before the appointment

Guide

While you wait: the free survival guide

Answer

How do I get a CAMHS referral for my child?

Tool

DLA checker: claim while on the waiting list

Tool

EHCP timeline calculator

Other services in South East

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustSurrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustBerkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustOxford Health NHS Foundation TrustHampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustKent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

The list is long.
Your family doesn't have to wait alone.

Our specialists help with what's in front of you today: meltdowns, sleep, school anxiety and getting support in place at school. No referral, no diagnosis needed.

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