Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a regional service for children and youth (aged up to 18 years) with serious mental health disorders and suspected psychiatric disorders.  These include depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis and eating disorders.

The CAMHS multi-disciplinary team comprises psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

Priority is given to youth at risk of suicide or attempted suicide.

Services include:

• a 24-hour crisis service
• cognitive behaviour therapy
• case management
• dialectical behaviour therapy
• group work
• psychopharmacology

How to access CAMHS – Routine referrals for CAMHS come from GPs, community and government agencies and schools (resource teacher or guidance counsellor).  People accepted for referral will be given a case manager who will make an appointment directly with the family.

Location, hours and contact details:

Nelson
Braemar Campus, Nelson Hospital, Waimea Road
Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
Phone (03) 546 1230
After hours emergency phone (03) 546 1800

Blenheim
The Marlborough Health Hub, 22 Queen Street, Blenheim
Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
Phone (03) 520 9905
After hours emergency phone (03) 520 9999 (ask for ‘on-call CAMHS’)