Children and young people referred to specialist mental health services in West Dunbartonshire could be waiting up to two years before they receive treatment.
Councillors have been advised that young people referred to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health) have an initial “assessment” quickly but are waiting some time before they are referred onto the right support service.
The issue was raised by Labour councillor Michelle McGinty who wanted to know if counselling was available to children in school following a report presented to members which highlighted areas of concern surrounding suicide.
READ MORE: Call for Glasgow artists to tackle mental health stigma in art fund application
Councillor McGinty said: “I know suicide in West Dunbartonshire is an issue we are all really passionate about.
“I would like some more information on children’s mental health and CAMHS. One of the questions I asked at the health board recently and I was intrigued by the answer was [to do with waiting times].
“I was advised they are seeing people very quickly but referrals to some services can take up to two years. I would like to know if counselling is available in schools to specifically help children at risk of suicide?”
A council officer advised that there were many services in West Dunbartonshire for children and young people and leaflets were available for families experiencing mental health issues.
Councillor McGinty was advised that CAMHS cases are prioritised which can lead to waiting times.
Lesley James, Head of Children's Health Care and Criminal Justice, said: “CAMHS focuses its efforts appropriately in terms of our children with greatest needs and where the greatest risks are.
“We commissioned some research through Glasgow University to see what parents and young people would like to see, so we are very much taking the findings of that research and looking at how to redesign the services going forward.
“There is a range of activity in schools and school counselling has been rolled out widely. We are making sure the right children are being referred to counselling and are not sitting on a waiting list needlessly.”
Leader of the opposition, councillor Karen Conaghan said that the council needed to improve its communication and highlight the services available to residents.
Councillor Conaghan said: “I think the challenge is around the culture which is something that will take a generation to change and for a long time people didn’t talk about their feelings.
“Men and boys are told to suppress those and not express when they are feeling distressed. This is something that is going to take a long time to change and we need to go at it in a holistic way and a comprehensive approach that looks at how well we look after each other.
“People need to be able to reach out and feel assured that the support will be there for them. I think it is important that have attempted suicide or engaged in self harm and find out what drove them to that.
“Mental health can affect anyone and it is something that can impact anyone in all walks of life.
“I do think we could do better on the communication front. I think this is something we as a council could do better at publicising support services through our own social media and website.
“Any death from suicide is absolutely devastating not just for the immediate family but for the wider community as well and it something we need to keep our eye on and work on.”
Those who feel vulnerable or need to talk to someone about their mental health can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 at any time of the day.
READ NEXT:
Police given new information on Glasgow woman Lynda Spence's whereabouts 11 years after her murder
Woman discovered video of rape which happened years earlier as she slept
Reports Glasgow restaurant is 'secret Chinese police station' prompt response from Nicola Sturgeon
Glasgow police seize illegal cigarettes and tobacco worth more than £90,000
Lewis Capaldi say tickets resold over face value will be cancelled as touts ask for over £1,000
