Swamped NHS mental health services turning away children, say GPs

The survey found that in some areas it takes children and young people two years after being referred by their GP to start receiving help. Photograph: True Images/Alamy

Children and young people who are anxious, depressed or are self-harming are being denied help from swamped NHS child and adolescent mental health services, GPs have revealed.

Even under-18s with an eating disorder or psychosis are being refused care by overstretched CAMHS services, which insist that they are not sick enough to warrant treatment.