Child and Youth Mental Health Service

Children and young people may need support for serious emotional and behavioural disturbances.

The Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) is a free community-based program for young people and their families or carers.

Who can we help?

We see children and young people up to the age of 18 years.

Some of the disturbances we assess and provide treatment for include:

• anxiety
• attention deficit hyperactivity
• autism
• children and young people experiencing suicidal thoughts/behaviour
• depression
• eating disorders
• obsessive behaviours
• other symptoms related to significant emotional/psychological problems
• post-traumatic stress reactions
• relationship difficulties.

How can we help you?

After being referred to the service, a young person will be assessed by one or more clinicians. They come from a number of different disciplines including social work, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatric nursing and child psychiatry.

In some cases hospital admission may be required and this may be at the Flynn Unit at Latrobe Regional Hospital which provides intensive assessment and treatment services. A case manager will remain involved with the young person and their carer throughout their hospital stay.

CYMHS also provides specialist advice through education, consultancy and collaboration with other service providers.

We also have a mobile outreach service to ensure young people receive the care they need, wherever they may be.

Where are we located?

CAMHS workers are based at the following Community Mental Health Service offices:

Bairnsdale: Macleod Street, phone 5152 8800

Korumburra: 4 Gordon Street, phone 5654 0800

Latrobe Valley: 20 Washington Street, Traralgon, phone 5128 0100

Orbost: Boundary Road, phone 5154 6721

Sale: Cnr Palmerston and Cunningham Streets, phone 5142 1900

Warragul: 31-35 Gladstone Street, phone 5624 3600

Yarram: 20 Nicol Street, phone 5182 0245

How to contact our service

Children, adolescents and their families may be referred by any concerned adult.

All require parental or guardian consent. In some circumstances older adolescents may refer themselves.

It is useful for the child or young person to be seen by a General Practitioner before the referral.

The General Practitioner may wish to make the referral and continue involvement following an assessment.

You can make a referral or seek advice 24-hours a day through the Mental Health Triage Service on 1300 363 322

Referrals

General Practitioners usually make referrals, but a relative, carer or individual can also make a referral.

Referrals are made and advice sought through the Mental Health Triage Service on 1300 363 322.

You will be assisted by a senior clinical staff member 24-hours a day.

If you choose to make a referral, ensure you have the following information:

• name, date of birth, address and contact number of the person being referred
• name and contact number of next of kin
• name and contact number of the person’s doctor or specialist
• medication the person takes, if known
• current medical and physical state
• the problems that have prompted you to make the referral
• if other services are involved
• your name and contact number as the referrer.

Tags: mental health