Teachers' attitudes towards child mental health services

Abstract

Aims and method: To improve liaison between local schools and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) by exploring teachers' experiences and perceptions of CAMHS. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 volunteer primary school teachers. Results: Teachers reported exhausting education-based resources before seeking external advice. Most had positive experiences of child mental health services and were keen to be more involved. They favoured a service that provided rapid advice and ongoing support. Many complained about problems in communication. Clinical implications: Child psychiatrists should collaborate more effectively with teachers to promote mental health and manage children with behavioural and psychological problems.