Department of Health

Adolescents – CAMHS acute inpatient services

Key messages

  • Young people may be admitted to an inpatient unit or intensive community service whenthey can't be treated safely at a lower level of care.
  • Some young people receive compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act 2014 if required.
  • Acute inpatient services are located in general hospitals.

Young people may be admitted to an inpatient unit or intensive community service occurs when treatment cannot be safely or effectively managed at a lower level of care.

Most young people are treated voluntarily or with parental consent. However, the Mental Health Act 2014 does provide for compulsory treatment of people with serious and acute mental health problems.

The CAMHS acute inpatient service units are located in general hospitals, and mostly admit young people aged 13–18 years of age:

  • The Royal Children’s Hospital admits young people aged 13–15 years of age from their local catchment.
  • Orygen Youth Health admits young people aged 15–24 years of age from their local catchment.

Reviewed 29 May 2015

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