CAMHS vs Right to Choose: What’s the Difference for Your Child?

If your child has been referred for support around autism, ADHD, mental health or emotional difficulties, you may have come across terms such as CAMHS and Right to Choose.

But what do they actually mean? Are they the same thing? And what should parents know before choosing a pathway?

At Roarganise, we believe that having clear, accessible information can make navigating services a little easier. This guide explains the key differences between CAMHS and Right to Choose in simple terms.

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

CAMHS is an NHS service providing mental health support to children and young people. Depending on the local service, CAMHS may support children experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, emotional distress, behavioural difficulties and other significant mental health needs.

CAMHS is separate from a general autism or ADHD assessment pathway, although there can sometimes be overlap.

For example, a child might be referred to CAMHS because they are experiencing significant anxiety or emotional difficulties, while also needing an autism or ADHD assessment.

What is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose is different from CAMHS.

Right to Choose allows eligible NHS patients in England to choose where they receive certain NHS-funded services when their GP is making a referral for an appropriate service.

For neurodevelopmental assessments, this can mean choosing an eligible provider for an autism or ADHD assessment, rather than necessarily joining the local NHS assessment pathway.

One important point is that choosing an independent provider through Right to Choose does not automatically mean paying privately.

Where the provider and referral meet the relevant NHS requirements, the assessment is NHS-funded.

CAMHS vs Right to Choose

The easiest way to think about it is:

CAMHS = an NHS mental health service.

Right to Choose = a way of choosing an eligible NHS-funded provider for certain services.

They aren't two versions of the same service.

A child could potentially have involvement with CAMHS while also being referred through Right to Choose for an autism or ADHD assessment, depending on their circumstances and the services involved.

Can you have a CAMHS referral and a Right to Choose referral?

Potentially, yes.

For example, a child might need support with their current mental health while their family is also seeking an assessment for autism or ADHD.

These are different needs and can involve different services.

However, it's important to ask the professionals involved how the pathways will work together. Services can have different referral criteria, commissioning arrangements and policies.

Don't assume that making one referral automatically creates another.

What about Psicon?

Psicon is one provider that offers NHS-funded autism and ADHD assessments through certain NHS pathways, including Right to Choose.

Parents considering a provider should check the current eligibility requirements, referral process, age criteria, assessment pathway and waiting times directly with the provider and their GP.

These arrangements can change, so information found online or shared by other parents may not necessarily apply to your area or your child's circumstances.

Things parents may want to ask before choosing a provider

Before requesting a Right to Choose referral, you could ask:

- Is the provider currently accepting Right to Choose referrals?

- Does the provider assess my child's age group?

- Does the provider offer autism assessments, ADHD assessments, or both?

- Is the assessment NHS-funded under the referral being made?

- What is the current estimated waiting time?

- Will the assessment be online, face-to-face, or a combination?

- Where would a face-to-face appointment take place?

- What information does the provider need from parents, school or professionals?

- What happens after the assessment?

- How will the report be shared with the GP, school or other professionals?

- Will any recommended follow-up support be provided by the same organisation or another NHS service?

Getting answers to these questions before choosing a pathway can help you understand what to expect.

Right to Choose doesn't mean choosing the "best" provider

There isn't one provider that will be right for every family.

Things such as location, communication, waiting times, assessment format, accessibility and your child's individual needs can all matter.

Parent reviews can also be useful for getting an idea of other people's experiences, but they should be treated as personal experiences rather than guarantees of what your own child's assessment will be like.

It's also worth checking information directly with the provider because NHS contracts, referral arrangements and waiting times can change.

Keep your paperwork organised

Neurodevelopmental assessments can involve a lot of information.

You may be asked for details about your child's early development, communication, behaviour, sensory differences, school experience, friendships, routines and everyday life.

Keeping information organised can make the process less overwhelming.

A simple folder or planner can be useful for keeping together:

- Referral information

- Appointment dates

- Letters and reports

- School information

- Professional correspondence

- Questions you want to ask

- Notes about your child's strengths and difficulties

- Examples of things you have noticed at home

Remember that you don't need to create a "perfect" picture of your child.

The purpose of an assessment is to understand your child's individual presentation and needs.

Ask questions if something doesn't make sense

Healthcare pathways can involve unfamiliar terminology, different organisations and lots of paperwork.

If you're unsure whether something is a CAMHS referral, an autism or ADHD assessment, or a Right to Choose referral, ask the GP or service to explain exactly what is being offered.

You can also ask:

"What service is this referral actually for?"

and

"Is this an NHS-funded Right to Choose referral?"

Getting clarity at the beginning can prevent confusion later.

Every child's journey is different

There is no single route through neurodevelopmental and mental health services.

Some children may only need support from their local services. Others may have several different referrals happening at the same time.

CAMHS and Right to Choose are not interchangeable, but they can sometimes form part of the wider support a child receives.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Understanding what a referral is for, who is providing the service and what happens next can make an unfamiliar process feel much more manageable.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. NHS referral pathways, eligibility requirements, providers and waiting times can change. Always check the current arrangements with your GP, local NHS service and the provider before making decisions about your child's care.

Roarganise creates practical, sensory-friendly planning products designed to help make everyday organisation more manageable for neurodivergent people, families and anyone who benefits from a clearer way to organise information.