In the build up to World Mental Health Day 2025, we want to share some guidance from Young Minds on ‘how to gain support from your GP’.
What can the GP help with?
During an appointment, the GP will talk to your child to find out how they’re feeling, explore what might be causing them to feel this way and discuss what type of support they need. They can also answer any questions you or your child have.
The GP can:
- Offer guidance around strategies or self-help resources your child can try.
- Suggest counselling or therapy, and refer your child to an NHS or other local counselling service.
- Find local mental health support groups, and/or local charities offering support such as mentoring or drop-in sessions.
- Refer your child to the NHS service for young people’s mental health, called CAMHS. They can also refer them for an assessment or specialist treatment with another service such as a paediatrician or psychologist team, or to NHS adult mental health services.
Young Minds provide a useful checklist of things to prepare for your GP appointment, which can be found here: