05 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS) is one of the most critical phases in a young person’s healthcare journey. Despite growing awareness, this shift remains difficult for many, leading to gaps in treatment, loss of follow-up, and emotional distress for both young people and their families. Experts emphasize that solving these issues is essential for ensuring long-term wellbeing and preventing mental health conditions from worsening during early adulthood, a period already filled with academic, social, and personal pressures.
A Complex, Often Abrupt Shift
One of the biggest barriers is the abrupt age-based cutoff. In many systems globally, young people are discharged from CAMHS at 18, regardless of their readiness. Some may be transitioning during school exams, entering college, or dealing with major life changes—all moments when stable mental health support is crucial.
Health professionals note that the change is not just administrative. The cultures of CAMHS and AMHS differ significantly. CAMHS tends to be more holistic, family-centric, and development-focused. In contrast, AMHS often prioritizes individual responsibility, structured diagnostics, and adult-centered models. This shift can be overwhelming for a young person who still needs guided support.
Eligibility Issues Leave Many Without Care
One of the most commonly reported barriers is differing eligibility criteria. A young person receiving treatment under CAMHS does not automatically qualify for AMHS. Conditions considered “mild to moderate” in adulthood may disqualify someone even if those same symptoms were treated seriously during adolescence.
This mismatch often results in young people being left without any formal support. Researchers refer to this as “the service cliff,” where individuals fall through the cracks simply because their diagnosis or risk level no longer fits adult service thresholds.
Communication Gaps Between Services
Smooth transition requires coordinated communication between CAMHS and AMHS teams. However, experts report that both sides often work in silos. Assessments, case histories, and treatment progress notes may not be shared promptly or clearly.
Young people frequently describe repeating their stories multiple times to new clinicians, which can feel exhausting or retraumatizing. Poor communication also results in confusion about appointments, medication changes, or next steps.
Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
A persistent shortage of trained mental health professionals—psychiatrists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers—slows down referral processes and leads to long waiting lists. Young adults entering AMHS may face delays of months before getting an appointment.
Families fear that this gap interrupts consistent progress. Continuity of care is especially important for conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related concerns.
Lack of Youth-Friendly Adult Services
Many young adults report that adult services feel intimidating, overly clinical, or not tailored to their needs. AMHS environments can seem designed for older adults struggling with severe, long-established mental illnesses. Younger patients may feel out of place or reluctant to express themselves.
Mental health advocates stress the need for youth-friendly adult programs—spaces that recognize the unique challenges of early adulthood, including education, employment, identity development, and relationships.
Limited Family Involvement
In CAMHS, parents or caregivers are usually involved in treatment plans, updates, and decision-making. However, AMHS typically shifts to a privacy-driven model where family involvement decreases dramatically. For many young people, especially those who still rely on home support, this sudden drop can feel isolating.
Experts suggest that carefully managed family involvement—while respecting autonomy—can improve stability and outcomes.
Stigma and Emotional Discomfort
The transition period is also fraught with emotional and social barriers. Many young people feel anxious about meeting new clinicians or entering a more formal adult system. Social stigma around mental health can discourage them from continuing treatment, especially when college or work schedules become demanding.
Advocates emphasize the importance of stigma-free outreach programs that encourage young adults to stay connected to care.
Digital Divide and Accessibility
While tele-mental health services have expanded, access is still uneven. Rural areas, low-income households, and underserved communities often lack high-quality digital infrastructure. Without easy access to online consultations or therapy sessions, the transition becomes even more challenging for vulnerable populations.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Transitions
Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia are experimenting with integrated youth mental health models that bridge CAMHS and AMHS. Community-based hubs, transitional clinicians, and extended age ranges (up to 25 years) are being explored to improve continuity.
Experts also recommend:
- joint CAMHS-AMHS planning meetings
- gradual transition plans instead of abrupt cutoffs
- youth-friendly adult mental health programs
- expanded tele-mental health services
- inclusion of families when appropriate
Addressing these barriers is essential to protect the mental wellbeing of young adults during a period of major life transitions.
Summary
Young people often face major barriers when moving from child to adult mental health services, including eligibility gaps, communication breakdowns, long waits, and abrupt transitions. Experts call for smoother, youth-centered models of care.