Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

In an emergency

If you or your child’s current actions are endangering themselves or others—such as an overdose, suicide attempt, or violence and aggression—call 999 immediately or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).

Mental health crisis support

If you or your child are experiencing a mental health crisis and need to speak to a professional, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

24/7 helpline support

The following organisations are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Childline: 0800 1111
Samaritans: 116 123
Shout Textline: Text SHOUT to 85258
NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD)

Requesting help from CFHD

Anyone aged under 18 who lives in Devon (excluding Plymouth) can get specialist care from CFHD. To get help from CFHD you will need a referral. A referral is the way to ask to see an NHS specialist. To make a referral, please visit the Children and Family Health Devon website’s ‘Our referral forms‘ page.

CFHD Urgent Care

The CFHD Urgent Care Team operates daily between 9am and 10pm.

Outside of operating hours

Between 10pm and 9am: If your child needs to attend the Emergency Department for a physical health concern overnight, and you feel they also require an urgent mental health assessment, please inform the hospital clinicians. They will refer your child directly to the Crisis Team, who will arrange an assessment once their service opens at 9am.

If you need urgent mental health advice overnight but there are no concerns around your child’s physical health, please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to speak with a professional.

Further resources

For more information on urgent care, please visit the Children and Family Health Devon urgent help page.
To learn more about other CFHD pathways of care supporting mental health—including the Mood, Emotions, and Relationships pathway—visit the CFHD pathways guide.