Paediatric Mental Health Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist assessment and management of mental health conditions affecting children and adolescents. Emotional wellbeing during childhood and adolescence plays a critical role in cognitive development, educational attainment, relationships and long-term health outcomes. Early identification and specialist intervention are essential to prevent escalation and to support healthy development.
Mental health difficulties in children and young people often present differently to adults. Symptoms may manifest as behavioural change, school avoidance, sleep disturbance, irritability, emotional dysregulation, physical complaints or social withdrawal. Presentations are frequently complex and influenced by developmental stage, family context, educational environment and physical health.
The service is consultant led, delivered by clinicians with expertise in child and adolescent mental health. Assessment is structured, evidence based and aligned with UK clinical standards. The focus is on accurate diagnosis, comprehensive risk assessment and formulation, followed by personalised management planning.
Care is holistic and multidisciplinary. Biological, psychological, social and developmental factors are considered in every assessment. Where appropriate, collaboration occurs with parents or carers, schools, primary care and NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, ensuring coordinated and safe care pathways.
Paediatric Mental Health Services are suitable for children and young people requiring specialist mental health assessment beyond the scope of routine primary care.
Referrals are appropriate for:
Specialist input is particularly important where symptoms are moderate to severe, longstanding, associated with functional impairment, or where there are safeguarding or risk considerations.
The service supports both self-pay and insured patients. Referrers may include GPs, paediatricians, schools or other healthcare professionals seeking diagnostic clarification, medication review or structured management planning.
Paediatric Mental Health Services assess and manage a broad range of conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Depressive disorders
Low mood, loss of interest, irritability, fatigue and reduced motivation. Assessment explores severity, duration, impact on schooling and social development.
Anxiety disorders
Generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and specific phobias, often presenting with physical symptoms, avoidance behaviours or school refusal.
Trauma-related disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder and related difficulties following exposure to distressing or adverse events.
Neurodevelopmental conditions
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and associated executive functioning difficulties. Assessment may include consideration of autism spectrum conditions where appropriate referral pathways exist.
Behavioural and emotional regulation difficulties
Oppositional behaviours, impulsivity and emotional instability impacting family life and education.
Eating-related concerns
Restrictive eating, disordered eating behaviours or body image difficulties requiring structured assessment and safe onward referral where indicated.
Psychotic or severe mental illness
Early signs of psychosis, marked behavioural change or severe mood disturbance are prioritised for urgent assessment and appropriate escalation.
Red-flag features
Suicidal ideation, self-harm, safeguarding concerns or risk to self or others are identified promptly with clear safety planning and escalation pathways.
Assessment is developmentally informed and includes both the child or young person and, where appropriate, parents or carers.
The consultation includes:
A structured risk assessment is conducted in all cases, addressing self-harm risk, safeguarding concerns and vulnerability.
Physical health factors are considered carefully. Where indicated, appropriate investigations may be arranged to exclude contributing medical causes.
Diagnostic reasoning follows recognised UK classification systems and national guidance, ensuring safe and evidence-based decision making.
Management is individualised and age appropriate, taking into account diagnosis, developmental stage, family context and patient preference.
Psychological approaches
Referral for evidence-based psychological therapies is considered where appropriate, including cognitive behavioural approaches and family-based interventions.
Pharmacological management
Where medication is indicated, prescribing follows national guidance with careful monitoring of effectiveness and side effects. Parents and young people are involved in shared decision making.
Family support and psychoeducation
Education regarding diagnosis and coping strategies supports families in understanding and managing symptoms.
School liaison
Where appropriate, liaison with educational settings supports reasonable adjustments and coordinated care.
Ongoing review
Follow-up appointments monitor response to treatment, risk, development and emerging concerns.
Escalation and referral
Where higher-intensity treatment, crisis support or specialist NHS CAMHS involvement is required, referral is coordinated promptly and safely.
The service works collaboratively with:
Clear communication ensures continuity of care and safe information sharing in line with safeguarding requirements and UK data protection standards.
Appointments take place in a supportive, child-friendly and confidential environment. Adequate time is allocated for discussion, observation and careful assessment.
Young people are encouraged to express their concerns openly. Depending on age and circumstances, part of the consultation may take place with the child alone, with parental consent, to allow safe and honest discussion.
Assessment findings and diagnostic impressions are explained clearly to both the young person and their parents or carers. A personalised care plan is developed, outlining recommended interventions, follow-up arrangements and any onward referrals.
Written correspondence is provided to the referrer and GP to support coordinated care.
Will my child need medication
Not always. Treatment depends on diagnosis and severity. Many children benefit from psychological approaches alone or in combination with medication.
Will I be involved as a parent
Yes. Parental involvement is an important part of assessment and management, while also respecting the young person’s confidentiality where appropriate.
Are discussions confidential
Consultations are confidential, with information shared only where clinically necessary or where safeguarding concerns arise.
What if I am worried about my child’s safety
Safety concerns are addressed immediately with clear risk management and escalation pathways.
Do you work with NHS services
Yes. Care is coordinated with NHS CAMHS and other services where additional support is required.
Paediatric Mental Health Services provide specialist-led assessment and management for children and young people experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. Patients, families and referrers may contact the clinic for information regarding availability and referral pathways.
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
