Speaking to your GP is usually the first step to accessing mental health services. Your GP can provide information and advice, and discuss the options around treatment and support with you. Depending on how your child is feeling, they may refer them for an assessment by a mental health specialist or to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). You can speak to your GP to ask for advice with or without your child.
If your child is experiencing depression, different types of treatment may be considered. A common treatment option is a form of talking therapy – and if they are experiencing more severe symptoms and are not able to respond to talking therapy, they may also be offered medication.
A young person should only be offered medication alongside talking therapy or another form of treatment, and only after an assessment with a psychiatrist. If they are taking medication, they should be regularly contacted and reviewed by a health professional such as a GP, a specialist from their CAMHS team or a psychiatrist.
Read our medication guide to find out more about the different types of medication your child might be offered.