Young people and mental health

Mental health conditions can affect people of all ages, but we have specific services available for children and young people up to 18 years of age.

The Mid and South Essex Children and Young People Counselling Service

Children and young people aged 5-18 years, (or up to 25 years for children and young people with Special Education Needs & Disabilities), experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety, emotional difficulties or who have experienced trauma can access the service.

A mental health diagnosis is not required to access this service. Self-referrals can be made by contacting the organisation for the area where the child or young person is registered with a GP:

Referrals can also be made by GP’s, Health Care Professionals and other voluntary, community and social enterprise partner agencies.

After an initial assessment, each young person is offered a treatment plan of evidence-based support such as one to one counselling sessions, creative therapies, or emotional resilience support. Family members are often offered support too, to help strengthen relationships and maintain long-term progress.

Onward referral to other mental health services will be arranged based on an assessment of the children or young persons’ needs. The service is suitable for any child or young person who feels they would benefit from support to manage their mental health, providing they are not already under the care of the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent’s Mental Health Service.

Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent’s Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS)

Offering advice and support for children, young people and families in need of support with emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people from 0 to 18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties, and any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.