Advanced practice in child and adolescent mental health services

Abstract

Advanced practice is an area which is evolving in the field of mental health, with varying roles, responsibilities and education. This article will focus on advanced practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), exploring scope of practice in Scotland which may vary from national and international practice in the same field. Child and adolescent services provide specialist assessment and treatment for children and young people aged 6–18. This article explores the integration of the role within the existing multidisciplinary team. A case study and practice-based examples are utilised to provide in-depth examination of the advanced practice role and how this offers a different perspective in clinical practice. Barriers and facilitators to future advanced practice role development in CAMHS are also considered as this diverse area of practice continues to develop.