RCPsych in Scotland comments on latest CAMHS waiting time statistics

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New NHS figures in Scotland have revealed 4,000 children and young people are still waiting for mental health treatment.

Statistics for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) were released by Public Health Scotland this week, showing 90% of people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral in the three months to December.

The figure is down from 91.5% in the previous quarter and 90.6% in the same period in 2024.

At the end of the quarter, the figures show, 4,056 young people were still waiting for treatment, though more than 80% of those had been on the list for less than the 18-week target time.

According to the statistics, 9.5% of those waiting – around 385 young people – were waiting between 19 and 35 weeks, while almost 200 were waiting between six months and one year.

The figures showed that 2.4% – around 97 young people – had been waiting more than a year for treatment.

Laura Sutherland, the vice-chairwoman of the CAMHS faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said it was “disappointing” that waiting times increased over the period.

She added:

“Currently, we face a psychiatric workforce crisis with staffing levels not keeping pace with a well-documented and severe demand.

“As a result, clinicians feel overwhelmed, workforce is burning out and staffing is becoming increasingly perilous.

“Meanwhile, clinicians are forced to compromise on care, while vulnerable children and young people are being left waiting and struggling – often without vital support.

“To date and despite efforts from the Scottish Government, health boards are still not managing to meet the 1% target of mental health spend going to CAMHS.

“Without quick and meaningful interventions, the gap between need and capacity will continue to grow and it is children and families who will pay the price.

“We’re calling for urgent action to expand and properly resource the mental health workforce, so children and young people can access the timely, safe and effective support they so desperately need.”