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Introduction
In a recent article by The Sunday Times, new figures have highlighted growing concerns about access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (“CAMHS”) in Ireland. According to HSE data, almost half of all children referred to CAMHS in 2025 were not accepted for treatment, including some children experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
The figures have raised serious questions about whether vulnerable children and young people are receiving the mental health support they need at a critical time.
The Current Situation
CAMHS provides specialist mental health assessment and treatment for children and adolescents experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. However, demand for services has increased significantly in recent years. Notable recent HSE findings include:
Nearly 29,400 referrals were made to CAMHS in 2025
Approximately 43% of referrals were not accepted for treatment
Referrals have increased by almost 70% since 2020
Hundreds of children continue to face lengthy waiting times for assessment and treatment
Some families report that children experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm were not accepted into the service
Families interviewed as part of the report described feeling overwhelmed, unsupported and unsure where to turn when referrals were declined.
Why Are Referrals Rejected?
Not every referral to CAMHS meets the criteria for specialist mental health treatment. In some cases, children may be referred to alternative supports, including:
Primary Care psychology services
Disability services for children with additional needs
Community-based mental health supports
Other HSE or voluntary sector services
However, concerns have been raised that some children with significant mental health difficulties may struggle to access timely support due to service pressures and resource shortages.
See our Misdiagnosis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services page.
The Impact on Families
When a child is experiencing mental health difficulties, delays in receiving appropriate care can place enormous emotional strain on families. This can result in:
Anxiety about their child's safety and wellbeing
Difficulties navigating complex healthcare systems
Financial pressures associated with seeking private treatment
Feelings of frustration, helplessness and isolation
For some families, concerns have been raised about whether opportunities for earlier intervention were missed.
Could There Be Grounds for a Medical Negligence Claim?
Not every rejected referral or delayed appointment will amount to Medical Negligence. However, there may be circumstances where legal advice should be sought, particularly if:
A healthcare professional failed to properly assess a child's mental health needs
Warning signs of serious risk were overlooked
There were unreasonable delays in referral, assessment or treatment
Communication failures resulted in a child not receiving appropriate care
A child suffered avoidable harm as a result of inadequate medical care
To establish a Medical Negligence claim, it is generally necessary to show that the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and that this directly caused injury or harm.
Further Information
For expert legal advice or if you are concerned about the CAMHS treatment you or your child has received, please contact Avril Scally or Grace Molloy in our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team to discuss your concerns in the strictest confidence.
See our related article Significant Care Concerns Identified in North Kerry CAMHS Review.
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