Mental health support for young people
- Assessments available
- Fast access to treatment
- Speak to a trained adviser today
Specialist outpatient treatment
At Priory, we understand how hard it can be to recognise when a child or young person needs mental health support. Growing up can be emotionally challenging, with changes in mood, behaviour or wellbeing not always easy to spot.
Our private outpatient child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) provide fast, flexible support for young people struggling with their mental health – without long waiting times or the need for a GP referral. If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our specialist team today.
Support across the UK
Outpatient CAMHS provides structured therapy and psychological support while a child or young person continues to live at home, attend school and maintain their everyday routines.
- Supprt for young people aged 4-17
- Autism assessments available – with fast access
- Inpatient treatment options at our specialist hospitals
Priory provides treatment for a range of mental health conditions including anxiety, OCD, trauma and phobias, alongside autism assessments. Our outpatient young people’s services are delivered across the UK by experienced child psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and therapists, many of whom are recognised experts in their field.
Priory can help you
Our private outpatient services are suitable for children and young people who:
- Are struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing
- Would benefit from expert support without needing intensive or crisis care
- Need structured therapy alongside home and school life
Our outpatient teams support young people to stabilise, understand their difficulties and build healthier coping strategies, with parents and carers involved throughout. Where more intensive support is needed, we can also discuss inpatient treatment options.
We provide fast access to assessments and outpatient treatment, ensuring young people receive the right support as soon as possible. Reach out to Priory today to learn more about the steps involved and how we can help. Simply call us on 0330 056 6028 and speak to a member of our dedicated team.
Further information
What is outpatient therapy?
Outpatient therapy is flexible and tailored to each young person’s individual needs and circumstances. Support can be adjusted over time, depending on progress and changing needs.
Our outpatient treatment programmes typically involve weekly sessions of around 1 hour, delivered either face-to-face or online.
We provide a range of evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Play therapy
Therapy can be delivered through:
- One-to-one sessions
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Online therapy
Benefits of private CAMHS
Families choose private CAMHS for many reasons, including:
- Fast access to expert support
- Reduced waiting times
- Choice of location or online therapy
- Continuity of care with the same clinical team
- Time to build trust and rapport
Most importantly, private outpatient CAMHS ensures that children, young people and families don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.
Conditions treated at Priory
We provide outpatient treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions affecting children and young people. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- ADHD
- Autism
- Attachment difficulties
- Bereavement
- Bipolar disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Conduct disorder
- Emerging personality disorders
- Gender dysphoria
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Selective mutism
- Self-harm
- Sleep disorders
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Trichotillomania
If you’re unsure whether we can help with a specific concern, our team can advise during your initial enquiry.
Inpatient support
Some young people need a higher level of care than outpatient therapy can safely provide. In these situations, our private CAMHS inpatient services offer round-the-clock care in a structured and therapeutic environment.
Our inpatient units provide comprehensive assessment, tailored treatment plans, regular therapy, education provision during term time, and close communication with parents and carers.
We currently offer inpatient CAMHS services at Priory Hospital Roehampton in London and Priory Hospital Chelmsford in Essex. These services are available for children and young people aged 12 to 17.
Find your nearest Priory site
Our sites across the UK provide specialist outpatient support for children and young people across the UK:
Greater London
- Priory Hospital Roehampton
- Priory Hospital Hayes Grove
- Priory Hospital Chelmsford
- Priory Wellbeing Centre Harley Street
Midlands
North West
South Coast
South East
Comprehensive online therapy is also available, allowing children and young people to access expert outpatient support from home, without the need to travel.
FAQs
What is the age range for private outpatient CAMHS at Priory?
Our outpatient CAMHS services are available to children and young people aged 4 to 17.
Will parents or carers be involved in treatment?
Depending on the child’s age, needs and preferences, parental or carer involvement can be an important part of outpatient support. This may include regular updates, joint sessions or family therapy.
Can my child continue attending school during outpatient treatment?
Yes. Outpatient therapy is designed to fit around everyday life, including school. Sessions usually happen weekly and can take place outside school hours, where possible, or online if this is more convenient.
What happens if my child’s needs change over time?
Outpatient support is flexible. Treatment plans can be reviewed and adjusted if a young person’s needs change, including increasing the frequency of their outpatient therapy sessions or discussing alternative options if a higher level of care becomes more appropriate for them.
What type of specialist will my child see?
For outpatient support, children and young people are most likely to see a counsellor or therapist, who will provide structured talking therapy to support their emotional wellbeing.
Psychologists may be involved to deliver evidence-based therapies and assessments where needed. Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who assess, diagnose and prescribe medication, but are usually involved only when this level of specialist input is required.
If you’re unsure which specialist is right for your child, our team will guide you to the most appropriate support following an initial assessment.
Information for schools
Mental health difficulties can affect a young person’s ability to fully engage with education. We work with schools to provide bespoke mental health support packages for pupils, families and staff.
To find out more about our school support offering, please contact us on 0330 056 6028.
Crisis care information
If a child or young person is in immediate danger or needs urgent help, please contact the emergency services.
Our customer service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help signpost families to appropriate support when urgent mental health concerns arise.
