Black Country CAMHS Referral Information
Black Country CAMHS offers help to young people with complex, severe or enduring emotional and mental health problems. We support young people who are aged between 0-18 years of age and who are registered with a Black Country GP.
At present, young people are referred into our service by a professional who knows what CAMHS offers, and knows the young person.
We accept referrals from these types of professionals:
- GPs
- Social Workers
- Health Visitors
- School Professionals
- Paediatricians / Hospital Doctors
- Paediatric Occupational Therapists
- Specialist Nurses
- School Nurses
If you are a referrer, wishing to refer a Child in Care, both Referral Forms (SPA and Additional Information) must be completed.
Referral Forms
You can access our Referral Criteria here:
Black_Country_Wide_Criteria_v3_June_2026.docx
You can access and download copies of our Black Country CAMHS Referral Forms here:
Black_Country_SPA_Referral_Form_V5.1.docx
Black_Country_SPA_and_CYPIC_Combined_Referral_Form_V7.docx
CAMHS_CYPiC_Additional_Information_Form_Black_Country_v4.1.docx
Preparing for Your Initial Assessment
If you have received a letter from CAMHS inviting you to an initial assessment, we kindly ask that some forms are completed in preparation for your appointment.
Developmental History
It is helpful for us to know information about your child’s developmental history. Please can the bellow form be completed and sent to us before the date of your appointment. The questionnaire will ask lots of questions around your child/young person’s early life. Some families have found that looking at their child/young persons red book helps to answer some of the questions, it is okay to leave some questions blank if you are not sure.
You can access the CAMHS Developmental History Questionnaire here: Developmental_History_Form.docx
Referrals for Neurodevelopmental Disorder Assessments
Please note some important changes to our services in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton from 1st August 2026.
CAMHS offer assessment and treatment for young people with severe, complex, and enduring mental health needs. We understand the importance of assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however unfortunately, we can no longer accept referrals for these assessments where the young person does not also have another significant mental health need that would require additional input from specialist CAMHS.
Families and referrers are always encouraged to contact us if they have concerns about the well-being or safety of the young person, however, our Single Point of Access teams will unfortunately not be able to offer any further advice on access to neurodevelopmental assessments beyond what is outlined below.
To access a neurodevelopmental assessment, you will need to speak to your GP to discuss your options, which are:
- Another NHS or Local Authority service in your area - This could be services such as Community Paediatrics, Educational Psychology or specific neurodevelopmental pathways in your area, if they are available and offer the assessment you need.
- A National NHS Right to Choose route – The National Right to Choose route means you can ask your GP to refer you to a different NHS provider for the assessment you need (as long as they offer that service).
A list of verified National Right to Choose providers can be found by visiting: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-services/patient-choice/right-choose-referrals-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-or-autism-spectrum-condition-asc.
- If you use a Right to Choose provider your assessment will be free of charge. You should check they follow NICE guidance (nationally recognised standards in healthcare), use a team of different professionals for the assessment (a multi-disciplinary team) and if appropriate (for conditions such as ADHD) the provider can support with prescribing medication.
- A private (paid for) assessment - If you use a private provider, you will need to pay for the assessment yourselves (there are some charities who can help with these costs). You should check the provider follows NICE guidance and what the arrangements will be for any continued treatment that may be needed. Any medications prescribed by private providers following this type of assessment will need to be funded privately also.
Please note: Families accessing ADHD assessments with either a National NHS Right to Choose route or a private (paid for) assessment need to be aware that treatment (such as medication prescribing) will not be able to be transferred back into our services unless the young person is in need of CAMHS treatment for their mental health and further assessments have been completed. Some GPs may agree to a shared care agreement with your private or National Right to Choose provider to continue prescribing medication, however, families should check their GP’s policy on these arrangements.
Neurodivergent Pathway Update for Wolverhampton and Sandwell
You can view our Frequently Asked Questions guides below:
Frequently Asked Questions - Parents and Carers ASC Referrals
Frequently Asked Questions - Young People ASC Referrals
