We all want to do everything we can to get children the help they need. If your child is showing symptoms of a mental health condition, or has recently been diagnosed with one, then it’s natural that you want to get them the best available care. In this article, we’re going to look at the different types of mental health care professionals that work with children, and what services they offer. We’re also going to try to help you understand what type of service might be suitable for your child, based on their circumstances.
What mental health services are available for children?
CAMHS stands for child and adolescent mental health services. These services are intended for children (aged 18 or under) who have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. They usually include assessment, diagnosis, and treatment – ensuring children get full access to comprehensive mental health care. The services are usually available either via NHS services, NHS-funded organisations, or private mental health clinics.
CAMHS specialists can help with a wide range of mental health problems. They can help children who are showing signs of anger, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. They can help children who are struggling with eating disorders, sleep difficulties, obsessive behaviours, and self-harm. CAMHS professionals can also treat other highly complex medical conditions like autism, ADHD, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
There are many different types of CAMHS professionals – including psychologists, psychiatrists, family therapists, creative therapists, and counsellors. The two most common types of CAMHS practitioners are child psychologists and child psychiatrists. Together, these professionals offer a wide range of mental health treatment options including talking therapies, behavioural interventions, creative therapies, coping strategies, and medication, where appropriate.
What does a child psychologist do?
A child psychologist is a trained mental health professional who works with children to assess, understand, and support their emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.
Child psychology: Education and training
Child psychologists in the UK are highly qualified health professionals who undergo years of specialist training. They have to complete both a BPS-accredited psychology degree and a specialist PhD programme. These programmes often include a combination of academic training, research, and supervised placements with children. All child psychologists in the UK are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They are also often chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Child psychology: Treatment approaches
Child psychologists often use a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and specific difficulties. These approaches often include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), behavioural interventions, and systemic family work. CBT focuses on helping children understand and manage their thoughts and behaviours. Whereas behavioural interventions and systemic family work often focus on developing routines, reinforcing positive behaviours, or managing challenging behaviour.
When to consider child psychology services
It might be helpful to see a child psychologist if your child is experiencing persistent emotional distress, behavioural challenges, difficulties with relationships, or struggles in school that impact daily life. Early intervention could help your child build resilience, improve emotional wellbeing, and develop the skills they need to thrive.
What does a child psychiatrist do?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions affecting children and young people.
Child psychiatrist: Education and training
In the UK, psychiatrist training begins with a medical degree (typically five to six years), followed by foundation training and further core psychiatry training (typically two years). After this, psychiatrists undertake specialist training in child psychiatry – including supervised clinical work, academic study, and exams. After qualifying, they become members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). They are also registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Child psychiatrist: Treatment approaches
Child psychiatrists start with assessment, diagnosis, and psychoeducation. With regards to treatment options, they can co-ordinate access to psychological therapies, such as CBT or family therapy, often in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They can also provide medication when needed, as part of a tailored treatment plan.
When to consider child psychiatry services
It might be helpful to see a child psychiatrist if your child is facing challenges that are more intense, complex, long-lasting, or impacting different areas of their life, such as home, school, or relationships. It can also be helpful to see a child psychiatrist if it’s possible that your child might benefit from medical treatment – for example, for conditions like ADHD or depression.
How do I know which service my child needs?
If you’re unsure whether your child needs a psychologist or a psychiatrist, you’re not alone – and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. What matters most is your child’s individual needs. Some children may benefit more from talking therapies and emotional support, while others may require medical assessment and medication. The right starting point often depends on the nature, severity, and impact of your child’s difficulties – and whichever professional you see first, they will help guide you toward the most appropriate care. You don’t need to choose perfectly from the outset; both psychologists and psychiatrists understand that each child’s situation is unique and will work with you to determine the best way forward.
It’s also important to know that these professionals don’t work in isolation. Psychologists and psychiatrists often collaborate closely, particularly in private CAMHS clinics, where care tends to be team-based. Their roles are complementary, not competing – psychiatrists bring medical expertise and prescriptions, while psychologists offer specialist therapies and assessment. Many children benefit from input from both, depending on their needs. What’s most important is not the title of the person helping your child, but the quality of care that they’re able to offer. Trust that you’re not expected to figure this out alone – there will be mental health professionals there to guide you and ensure your child receives the right support at the right time.
In conclusion
Whether your child sees a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both, what matters most is that they’re getting support that’s tailored to their individual needs. These professionals often work together as part of a wider team – like those found in CAMHS – to ensure your child receives the most appropriate and effective care. Their shared goal is to help children feel better, cope more confidently, and thrive both emotionally and socially.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to a private mental health service, or a child psychiatrist in London, is often a good first step. Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out before seeking help – being open to support is enough. With the right guidance, your child can access the care they need and start to feel better.
