Urgent CAMHS assessments face waits of up to 25 weeks in Leitrim
Thirty children have waited more than six months for a CAMHS assessment in the North West, while urgent referrals in Leitrim are taking up to 25 weeks, HSE figures show.
Eighty-four children and young people are currently waiting for a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) assessment across Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan and East Sligo, according to information released by the HSE to the Leitrim Observer.
Of those waiting, 30 have been on the list for more than six months, two for more than a year, and none for longer than 18 months.
In Leitrim, the average waiting time for a first CAMHS assessment is currently 11 to 12 months for a routine referral and 20 to 25 weeks for an urgent assessment.
The HSE-run service provides treatment for children and young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.
“There are many reasons for children and young people to require CAMHS services, these reasons are individual to the person’s symptoms, presentation and circumstances,” a HSE spokesperson said.
Nationally, 261 children have been waiting more than 18 months for an appointment, while more than 600 have been waiting for over a year.
“As per national guidelines, all referrals to the service are reviewed by the Clinical Lead. Referrals with risk indicated receive a triage call from a CAMHS clinician and during the triage call a risk management plan is completed,” a HSE spokesperson told the Leitrim Observer.
“All referrals are followed up with a letter advising families of the outcome of the referral, the next steps and signposting to support services available in their communities,” they added.
The HSE also said that if a child’s symptoms deteriorate while awaiting an appointment, families are advised to contact their GP or attend their local emergency department.
The average waiting times in Leitrim have been described as “not good enough” by Cllr James Gilmartin, who said he was particularly concerned by the delay for urgent assessments.
“I would have huge concern for both figures, particularly the 20 to 25 week wait for the urgent assessment,” said Cllr Gilmartin.
“This is something that needs to be addressed urgently,” he added, saying he would be calling on Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler, to intervene.
Cllr Gilmartin said waiting times for mental health treatment would not be accepted if they involved physical health conditions, arguing that mental health should be treated with the same urgency.
“If you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t be told you have to wait 20 to 25 weeks to be seen,” he said.
He also highlighted the financial barriers faced by families seeking private mental health care, with many appointments costing upwards of €60 per session. For many families, CAMHS remains the only realistic option.
“Oftentimes this is societal in the sense that the children that are of the greatest need are coming from a disadvantaged background where they’re not in a place to go private and that needs to be addressed,” added Cllr Gilmartin.
In March 2025, Cllr Gilmartin raised concerns about the absence of a clinical lead in the local CAMHS service, saying Leitrim was facing a “total absence” of CAMHS services. While he welcomed the allocation of two consultant psychiatrist posts to Leitrim, Sligo and West Cavan in September 2025, he said further action is still required.
“We need to know if it is a staffing or funding issue, these are the things we need to look at… If you have a need to be seen you should be seen in an appropriate amount of time because we’re leaving people in limbo,” he concluded.
On July 13, the Mental Health Commission launched a six-week public consultation to help develop new standards for CAMHS.
The commission is seeking feedback from children, young people, parents, families and carers, as well as professionals working within CAMHS services.
Details are available on mhcirl.ie.