By Lucy Ashton
New data shows that the number of children beginning mental health treatment has fallen, while waiting lists continue to soar.
Data released on Tuesday reveals that the number of children beginning treatment for mental health issues slumped by nearly 500 in the first quarter of 2024, when compared with the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, the number of children and young people awaiting mental health treatment has continued to rise.
The percentage of children seen within 18 weeks of referral for mental health issues, remains stubbornly below the Scottish Government standard of 90%.
At the same time, one in four children and young people have their CAMHS referral rejected.
Overall, more than 29,000 Scots are waiting on mental health support – with over 1,600 waiting for more than a year for treatment.
Scottish Labour’s spokesperson on Health, Jackie Baillie, right, said: “I know from my constituency postbag that waits for children’s mental health services are one of the greatest challenges facing families.
“I frequently hear from constituents who are pinning their hopes on CAMHS input and who face only long waiting lists and delay.
“Under the SNP, waiting times soar, waiting lists continue to grow and far too many people cannot get the treatment they so desperately need.
“Scotland is facing a crisis in both health and mental health services, but the SNP have shown that they cannot fix it.
“Labour will invest in our NHS to bring down waiting times so people have access to mental health care when they need it.”
Top picture: Gartnavel Royal Hospital at Anniesland which also serves West Dunbartonshire.