Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times statistics: FOI release

Information requested

Please can you confirm where you got these statistics from which health board?

Response

Please find a response to your request below.

The statistics referenced in your email is the national average for those referred to CAMHS and were seen within the Scottish Government goal of under 18 weeks. Since 2016/17, there has been a standard for NHS Boards that 90% of patients should be seen within 18 weeks from the point of referral to treatment

The full statistical breakdown, including by Health Board, can be found on the Public Health Scotland website - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times - Quarter ending September 2025 - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times - Publications - Public Health Scotland.

These statistics do not include those on a waiting list for a neurodevelopmental (ND) condition, such as autism or ADHD. We don't currently collect or hold data on length of waits for ND services but are working closely with health boards and Local Authorities to better understand this and improve the experience of children, young people and their families in accessing support for their neurodivergence. 

The Public Health Scotland CAMHS statistics capture children and young people who meet the CAMHS criteria. Children and Young People and their families who have requested support for their neurodevelopmental needs but do not meet the CAMHS criteria are not reported in these statistics. 

However, the statistics do capture those children and young people who are on the waiting list and have mental health concerns comorbid with neurodevelopmental issues.

The reason that we have a waiting times target for CAMHS and not for neurodevelopmental services is to do with the multi-agency and Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) approach taken within neurodevelopmental services. For children with neurodevelopmental support needs without mental health concerns, the Scottish Government policy is that support should be available regardless of a diagnosis. As many children and young people do not meet diagnostic criteria

for an neurodevelopmental condition, and also their needs may change over time, we believe the focus should be on identifying needs and support be provided through GIRFEC, and ensuring children, young people and their families receive the support and appropriate adjustments they require.  

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.