CAMHS - Child & adolescent area mental health services

Childhood and adolescence are times of rapid development when key building blocks for lifelong health, development, learning and wellbeing are being set in place. Mental health problems early in life can put at risk this important early development.

The mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents is everybody’s business: families, carers, universal and other early years services, schools and youth services, health services, housing and support services, community organisations and the community as a whole.

In Victoria, specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) have a particular place within this, responding to those experiencing more complex and severe problems. CAMHS also play a lead role in promoting quality mental health responses in other sectors.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (0-18 years) Click here for more detailed information on CAMHS and service location

Resources

CAMHS and schools - Early action program - Early intervention service for young children with challenging behaviours and emerging conduct disorder - Program description - December 2006 (PDF file 469KB) (Program management circular)

CAMHS in communities - Working together to provide mental health care for Victoria’s children and young people - September 2006 (PDF File 482KB). Hard copies can be ordered from the on-line ordering page

CAMHS & Schools Project. A Partnership between the Victorian Mental Health Branch and the Victorian Student Wellbeing Branch - August 2004 (PDF file 590KB)

Child and Adolescent Services: Overview - April 1996 (PDF file 244KB)