The Availability of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Within Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): A National Survey

Abstract

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has recommended cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for a number of common child and adolescent mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to clarify the practice of CBT within specialist child and adolescent mental health services in the United Kingdom. A survey was distributed to specialist child mental health workers through national organizations and professional bodies. Approximately 10% of specialist CAMHS professionals replied (n = 540). One in five reported CBT to be their dominant therapeutic approach, whilst 40% rarely used CBT. Specialist post-qualification training had been undertaken by 21.0% of respondents, with over two-thirds identifying training needs in the core skills of CBT. This survey suggests that the capacity of specialist CAMHS to meet the requirements of NICE in terms of the availability of CBT skills is doubtful. There is a need to develop CBT training and supervision infra-structures.