Visiting CAMHS for the first time is a new experience, so it's quite normal to feel a little nervous or uneasy. We appreciate this and try our best to make that first appointment as easy as possible for you.

WHERE WILL WE MEET?

CAMHS is based mostly in clinics or hospitals settings. CAMHS North Derbyshire have a base at Chesterfield and Buxton. We will contact you to let you know where your first appointment will be, when it is, and who you will meet. If we meet again, we will try our best to arrange your appointment at a place that suits you.

WHO WILL COME WITH ME?

We ask you and your parents/carers to come to your first appointment. If you are over 16 you may prefer to come alone; that is your choice. We like to talk to you all if possible, so that we can better understand the difficulties you are having and how we might be able to help.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE I COME?

At CAMHS we put you first so, not surprisingly, at your first appointment we will talk about you and how you are feeling. Before you come, you could write down things you want to say and things you want to ask, and bring them with you.

WATCH THIS SHORT CLIP ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU ARE VISITING CAMHS AT CHESTERFIELD ROYAL HOSPITAL

AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

Your first appointment with CAMHS is called an initial assessment. At this appointment we will try to find out a bit about what has been happening and how you feel. Don’t worry if you can’t answer everything, we know it can be a bit hard talking to someone you haven’t met before.

Some things we might ask you about:

Your worries.
Your family and friends.
Your school/college or work.
The things you like.
Any difficulties you have.
Any help that you are getting already.
Any questions you or your family have.

Remember, you and your thoughts and feelings are what's important, so we will always encourage you to share the things you would like to talk about. At the end of this appointment we will be able to suggest to you how things could be improved and how we and your parents/carers can help you.

Common things we might suggest include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Positive Behavioural Support, or further specific assessments. Sometimes we won’t need to see you again, or we might suggest some other places that could help you.