CAMHS questions.

[beebs]

Ive been referred to CAMHS, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for my Self Harm.

What can I expect from this? Whats it like? Can I bring a friend with me to my appointments?

What has to happen for them to put your in to inpatient, what is that like? Is it just the kids ward of a hospital? Or a special unit?

Also, I want to tell the people my concerns, about some medical conditions I would like to be tested for. Will this be a problem to ask them that?
As I think im bipolar, but somethings ive done that make me think this, I dont want my mum to know about:/

Please someone help..

[FullyAlive]

The first appointment will just be an evaluation to with out what treatment is suitable for you etc, it might be here you bring up seeing a psych I wouldn't know I avoid diagnosis as much as possible.

I didn't find camhs all too useful but they can work, you've got to go willing and ready to accept help. The must common form of treatment would be talking therapy you are likely to be offered this in the form of counselling sessions. As for your friend you might be able to bring her with you but most likely not into the actual session these are usually one to one.

[Sleepwalking]

Where I go is based in a building off the hospital, just beside it.
I go with my dad, but I usually talk to the person alone.
I go there for depression/anxiety, which includes problems I tell the person here. Its useful, but it took me a few sessions for me to open up.
About asking for tests I have no clue. It'd probably be something they may pick up on whilst you're there.

[rosey1228]

Hey,
I think that at the evaluation-1st appointment they see if your self harm is related/a symptom of an mental illness such as bipolar, then depending on what happens they will create a plan of treatment, they only will make you an impatient if they feel that your a harm to yourself-or if it's the best treatment for YOU! Also I'm sure if you ask them about mental illness, they won't tell your parents, unless it is true or a possible cause for concern. If you don't ask you may never know. Hope this helped x x messsage me if you need too, here for u