Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)

Priory aims to meet a young person's mental health needs safely and effectively, in the least restrictive environment, whilst maintaining their privacy, dignity, sense of self, and relationships with those close to them. We also provide outpatient therapy and day care services at selected locations.

Our inpatient provision is offered to young people aged between 13 and 18 years. However, under special circumstances, Priory is able to provide inpatient support for young people from the age of 10.

Priory provides a comprehensive range of services that support young people with a wide range of risks and complexities which consists of:

• General adolescent unit (GAU)/Tier 4 services
• Eating disorders
• Low Secure Services
• Specialist learning disabilities and autism

Priory also provides Transitional Living Services for Young People and Young Adults, which includes residential services for children and adolescents with complex mental health needs, or risk taking behaviours.

Our approach

We understand that arriving at hospital can be a daunting time for a young person so we do all we can to ease these feelings, by providing a safe environment in which to offer high quality and effective care.

Our comprehensive multidisciplinary teams provide evidence-based treatment programmes across a range of conditions. Our treatment plans are tailored to the needs of each individual and aim to take into account individual mental, physical, educational and spiritual needs.

Our outcomes

We work hard to involve young people in their care and aim to provide supportive services which make a positive difference to their behaviours and future lives. We are delighted that the vast majority of young people speak positively about their experience with Priory. Follow the link to learn more.

(Priory Healthcare Quality Account 2023/23)

Service overview

We have worked with young people to develop a unique therapeutic approach, called ‘Working with Young People’. This is divided into five principles that underpin our work:

1. Nurture

We want young people to feel cared for and looked after during their time at the service. We will help young people to stay safe and feel safe and we are responsive to young people’s basic and emotional needs.

2. Expectations

Clear expectations provide young people with a sense of structure and safety, as well as facilitating their progress and recovery. We are passionate about meeting the needs of the young people in our care and continually improve our provision, based on experience and feedback.

3. Respect

We foster a culture of respect for each other’s views, identity and beliefs. Young people are not defined by their behaviours and/or difficulties but are valued for who they are.

4. Enabling

We enable young people to develop skills and understanding to grow as healthy individuals and build a future life. We help young people and their families work towards recovery by helping them to effectively manage their challenges and avoid dependency. We will acknowledge young people’s goals and celebrate their achievements.

5. Reflection

We foster a reflective culture which encourages learning, problem solving and openness, in order to create a healthy team, which can work together to provide effective and thoughtful care.