2025 in Review: Supporting CAMHS Services Across the UK As we close out 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of significant challenges and remarkable achievements in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across the United Kingdom. For the dedicated professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to support young people’s mental health, and for the services navigating persistent workforce pressures, this year has been nothing short of transformative.
The State of CAMHS in 2025: Progress Amid Pressure
This year has continued to spotlight the critical importance of mental health support for children and young people. Demand for CAMHS services has remained at unprecedented levels, with referrals staying consistently high following the post-pandemic surge. Yet within these challenges, we’ve witnessed incredible resilience from the professionals who form the backbone of these essential services.
The workforce gap has been one of the year’s defining challenges. Many trusts have faced critical shortages in specialist roles, from consultant psychiatrists to mental health nurses and clinical psychologists. But here’s what we’ve learned: strategic recruitment partnering makes a tangible difference in continuity of care.
How We’ve Supported CAMHS Services This Year
Throughout 2025, CAMHS Professionals has been privileged to work alongside NHS trusts, independent providers, and community services to address staffing challenges head-on. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:
Rapid Response to Critical Shortages: We’ve filled over 1000 urgent vacancies across the UK, ensuring that young people continued to receive timely assessments and interventions even during peak demand periods.
Building Sustainable Teams: Beyond quick fixes, we’ve focused on longer-term placements that allow teams to build continuity and provide the consistent therapeutic relationships that young people need.
Supporting Innovation: We’ve helped staff new community-based services and crisis intervention teams, supporting the sector’s shift toward more accessible, early-intervention models of care.
Key Trends We’ve Observed
Several important patterns have emerged this year that are shaping the future of CAMHS recruitment:
The Rise of Flexible Working: Professionals increasingly prioritise roles that offer genuine work-life balance. Services offering flexible hours, hybrid working, and well-being support have found it easier to attract and retain talented staff.
Specialisation Matters: There’s growing demand for professionals with specific expertise in areas like eating disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and trauma-informed care. Investing in specialised training is paying dividends for services.
Location Flexibility: Remote assessments and digital therapeutics have opened up new possibilities for how and where CAMHS professionals can work, though face-to-face care remains irreplaceable for many interventions.
Lessons from the Frontline
The most successful services we’ve partnered with this year share common characteristics. They prioritise staff well-being alongside patient care, recognizing that supporting the supporters is essential. They invest in supervision, reflective practice, and professional development. They communicate clearly about role expectations and provide robust induction processes. And crucially, they listen to their teams and adapt to changing needs.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Holds
As we move into 2026, several factors will shape the CAMHS landscape. The government’s renewed focus on mental health services brings both opportunities and challenges. Workforce planning will remain critical, and services that take proactive approaches to recruitment and retention will be best positioned to thrive.
We’re also seeing encouraging signs of innovation in service delivery models, with more integrated working between CAMHS, schools, and community services. This holistic approach requires diverse skill sets and creative staffing solutions.
How We Can Help You in 2026
Whether you’re a CAMHS professional seeking your next opportunity or a service manager planning your workforce strategy, we’re here to support you:
For Professionals: We have exclusive access to roles across the UK, from locum positions offering flexibility to permanent posts with career development opportunities. Our team understands the unique requirements of CAMHS work and can match you with positions that align with your skills, values, and lifestyle needs.
For Services: Early planning makes all the difference. If you’re anticipating staffing needs in 2026, let’s talk now. We can help you develop robust recruitment strategies, access a wider talent pool, and find professionals who’ll truly fit your team culture.
A Thank You to Our Community
To every CAMHS professional we’ve worked with this year: thank you. Your dedication to improving young people’s lives, often in challenging circumstances, is genuinely inspiring. To the service leaders who’ve partnered with us: thank you for trusting us to support your workforce needs and for your commitment to providing excellent care.
Take Action Today
Are you a CAMHS professional? Get in touch to discuss opportunities for 2026. Whether you’re seeking a new permanent role, considering locum work, or exploring different specialties, we’d love to hear about your goals.
Are you planning your 2026 workforce strategy? Let’s schedule a conversation about your staffing needs. Early planning gives you the competitive advantage in securing top talent.
Connect with us: Follow CAMHS Professionals on LinkedIn for regular updates on sector developments, recruitment insights, and available opportunities. Share your experiences and join the conversation about the future of children’s mental health services.
Together, we can ensure that every young person who needs support can access the high-quality CAMHS services they deserve.
Ready to talk about your 2026 plans? Contact us at info@camhsprofessionals.co.uk or message us directly on LinkedIn.
