Children and young people’s mental health services in Essex provide assessment, advice, and treatment for emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. Early support can make a significant difference to a child or young person’s wellbeing, relationships, and ability to learn and thrive.
A range of NHS and partner services are available across Essex. These services support children, young people, and their families at different stages, from early help through to specialist care.
What children and young people’s mental health services in Essex can help with
Children and young people may experience a wide range of mental health challenges. Children and young people’s mental health services in Essex provide support for:
- Anxiety, worries, and low mood
- Emotional distress or changes in behaviour
- Difficulties with school, friendships, or family relationships
- Eating difficulties
- Self-harm or thoughts of self-harm
- Trauma, loss, or significant life changes
- Behavioural concerns
Services aim to support both the child or young person and their family or carers.
When should I seek urgent help?
In an emergency
Call 999 immediately if a child or young person:
- Is in immediate danger
- Has seriously harmed themselves
- Is at risk of serious harm
For urgent mental health support
If you need urgent mental health advice but it is not an emergency, you can:
- Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- Contact your local NHS urgent mental health helpline
- Speak to your child’s existing mental health team, if they already receive support
You do not need a GP referral in a mental health crisis.
Getting help from your GP practice or school
GP practices and schools are often the first place to seek help for mental health concerns.
They can:
- Provide early advice and reassurance
- Help identify mental health needs
- Refer to children and young people’s mental health services in Essex
- Support families during assessment and treatment
- Work with other services to coordinate care
If you are concerned about a child or young person’s mental health, seek advice as early as possible.
Community services and online support
Many children and young people can access early support through community services and online platforms. These services provide confidential advice, emotional support, and practical tools.
Support may include:
- Mental Health Support Teams in schools
- Early help and wellbeing services
- Youth counselling services
- Online mental health support, including Kooth
These services can often be accessed without a referral.
Visit the Your area section of this website to find local services near you.
Specialist children and young people’s mental health services in Essex
Specialist children and young people’s mental health services in Essex support those with more complex or ongoing needs.
Support may include:
- Mental health assessments
- Psychological therapies
- Family-based interventions
- Care planning and ongoing support
- Support for neurodevelopmental conditions
- Coordination with schools, social care, and other professionals
Most referrals to specialist services are made through a GP, school, or other professional.
Support for parents, carers, and families
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting children and young people’s mental health. Support is available to help families understand and manage mental health challenges.
This may include:
- Advice on supporting emotional wellbeing
- Parenting support programmes
- Family counselling
- Carer support services
Your GP practice, school, or local wellbeing service can help you access appropriate support.