Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs - Getting help from Mental Health Services
Links to Social, Emotional and Mental Health Services for Children and Young People
Accessing support for your child
If your child is feeling low or anxious, or if you have any serious concerns about how your child is feeling or acting, seek professional help.
You could speak to:
- someone you trust at school or college such as a teacher, school nurse, mental health lead or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
- a GP
- a health visitor (for children up to 5 years)
They can tell you what support is available in your area and put you in touch with children and young people's mental health services.
If your child is under 5, visit the Anna Freud website for information about common difficulties in the early years. For under fives | Anna Freud
If your child is over 5, Where to get mental health support – children and young people - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If your child is aged 11 to 18, find out how to recognise and respond to mental health difficulties on the NSPCC website.
For parents of young people aged 18 and over, the NHS website has information on supporting a young person with mental health needs.
Getting support for yourself
It’s important to look after your own emotional wellbeing and mental health as a parent or carer. There are links to services on the document below:
You can find information on self-care for parents and carers on the Anna Freud website.
Find out about support available for mental health on the NHS website.
For information on parenting with a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
Private therapy
Some people choose to have private treatment. If you see a therapist privately, you'll have to pay for treatment.
You can usually approach a private therapist directly without a referral from a doctor.
If you make this choice, look for accredited providers included in directories such as the professional standards authority website.