Mental illness acute services for children and adolescents
Many young people experience mental health issues. The majority of young mental health clients are seen in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) community based clinics, however some young people need more intensive support.
Acute Services provides a range of specialist mental health services for young people including:
- crisis intervention
- mental health assessment
- medical and psychological treatment
- inpatient treatment
- day programs
- training, education and support for families.
Our Acute Services are staffed by a multidisciplinary group of health professionals including doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, youth workers, social workers and a specialised Aboriginal mental health worker.
Bentley Adolescent Unit (BAU)
Bentley Adolescent Unit (BAU) is a 12-bed ward at Bentley Health Campus which provides a statewide specialised service for young people aged up to 16 with severe mental health conditions.
BAU offers assessment, diagnostic services and treatment programs. Both voluntary and involuntary patients may be admitted to the BAU.
The BAU provides the following services:
- mental health assessment
- medical and psychiatric treatment
- crisis intervention
- psychological interventions
- education for personal self-improvement
- training, education and support for families.
Young people usually come into the BAU by transfer from another service such as an emergency department, a service in the community, Princess Margaret Hospital or through a booked admission.
The service is staffed by health professionals including mental health nurses, psychiatrists, medical staff, peer support workers, youth workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and teachers who support the patient’s schooling.
View contact details on the National Health Services Directory (external site).
Gender Diversity Services (GDS)
The Gender Diversity Service (GDS) is a specialist outpatient service for the assessment and care of children and adolescents experiencing gender diversity issues located at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) (external site).
Any child or young person up to the age of 18, who resides in Western Australia, with concerns regarding their gender can be referred to the GDS for consultation about concerns regarding their gender identity, gender non-conforming behaviour or gender dysphoria.
For more information visit the PCH website (external site).
Paediatric Consultation Liaison Program (PCLP)
The Paediatric Consultation Liaison Program (PCLP) located at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) provides mental health and wellbeing support for inpatients and outpatients (and their families) who are receiving treatment for physical health issues.
The team is made up of:
- consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists
- psychiatric and paediatric registrars
- clinical psychologists
- a clinical neuropsychologist
- a consultation liaison mental health nurse specialist
- community mental health nurses.
For more information visit the PCH website (external site).
Mental health assessments of children and adolescents
Mental Health Liaison Nurses in Perth Children's Hospital Emergency Department (ED) provide mental health assessments for children up to the age of 16 years old who present to the emergency department and identified as requiring a mental health assessment.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) urgent mental health support line provides 24 hour support for children and their families. The service is accessible statewide and includes brief assessment of mental health risk and signposting to the most appropriate service, depending on need.
Crisis Connect
The CAMHS Crisis Connect provides phone and online videocall support for children and young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as support and advice to families and carers. The service is available between 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1800 048 636.
For more information about CAMHS Crisis Connect visit the Child and Adolescent Health Service website (external site).
Where to get help
Remember
- You are not alone – many young people will be experiencing the same challenges.
- There are services that can work with you to support recovery.
Last reviewed: 02-11-2021
Acknowledgements
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
