Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
CAMHS
CAMHS offers assessment and treatment to children and young people aged up the age of 18 (and their families/carers) who are suffering significant mental difficulties.
We provide these services across Dorset (including Bournemouth and Poole), employing an experienced team of doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers.
We deal with a range of serious mental health problems, including:
- psychosis/schizophrenia
- significant self-harm and risk-taking behaviours
- depression and severe anxiety disorders
- eating problems
- obsessive compulsive disorders
- complex and/or significant post-traumatic disorders
- severe behavioural difficulties
- mental health or severe emotional difficulties in children with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger's syndrome
CAMHS Gateway
Dorset HealthCare's CAMHS service has introduced a new part of the service to help manage assessments and provide some brief lower-level intervention for children and young people experiencing problems with their mental health. The service acts as the 'front door' of CAMHS and has been introduced to help reduce the wait time for assessments and treatments that young people can experience when accessing the service.
Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
The MHST works in partnership with schools across Dorset to help children and young people thrive.
The aim is simple: to provide early, accessible mental health support within the school community, where pupils spend much of their time and feel most connected.
Through a blend of in-school support, evidence-based interventions, and close collaboration with staff, we help schools create environments where emotional wellbeing is understood, supported, and strengthened.
Whether it’s offering targeted help for anxiety or low mood, providing guidance to teachers, or promoting whole-school approaches to mental health, the MHST is here to make a positive, lasting difference.
Together with CAMHS Dorset, the team makes sure pupils receive the right help at the right time - building confidence, resilience, and healthy foundations for the future.
You can find more information and resources on CAMHS Dorset.
Kooth
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online mental‑wellbeing community designed to support children and young people whenever they need it.
The platform offers access to trained counsellors, helpful self‑care tools, moderated peer forums, and space for journaling and reflection - all available without waiting lists or referrals.
Whether someone wants to explore their feelings, seek advice, or simply connect with supportive resources, Kooth provides a welcoming place to do so at their own pace.