In healthcare we use the word ‘transition’ to describe a process of preparing, planning and moving on from CAMHS to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).
We know that this can be a challenging experience so we will work with you to ensure the best possible experience for you and your family.
Your CAMHS worker will talk to you about whether you may need care and treatment from adult services, usually around six months before your 18th birthday. If you are going to move into adult services, both CAMHS and AMHS will work together to plan this transition with you and other people involved in your care. The transition process can last up to 12 months.
Part of the process will include a meeting which you will be invited to with both services to discuss future parts of your care.
You can find out more about the different adult mental health services available to support you here.
Your family
Your parents or carers may have been really important and involved in your care whilst you have been working with CAMHS. While you are under 18 and in the process of transition, your parents may still be very involved in your care.
As an adult you will have responsibility for your own decisions and treatment and how much information is shared with those close to you. While this process is about you, it is important to understand that your parent or carer may be finding it difficult as they are now handing over the responsibility to you.
This can be hard for many parents and carers, and they may have worries of their own.
You may find that sharing information about transition and talking about the experience will help you all to understand the process and how it may feel.