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The Guardian - UK

Politics

As told to Andrew Gregory

Why I left the UK’s broken children and young people’s mental health service

CAMHS Mental Health United Kingdom Autism NHS

Dr Lubna Karim — Dr Lubna Karim says limited availability of therapeutic services means the early intervention that is so vital for many patients is lacking. Photograph: Filip Gierlinski

A record 420,314 children and young people a month are being treated for mental health problems, according to the latest NHS figures. Here a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who until recently worked within NHS child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) describes the frustrating and relentless daily battle to meet the soaring demand and help those most in need.

Until last year I worked as a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist within the NHS CAMHS service. I had dedicated 20 years of my life to reach that position, and worked in a speciality close to my heart.

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