Working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is one of the most meaningful roles within the mental health profession. Supporting children and young people through difficult experiences and emotional challenges can be deeply rewarding, but it also places a significant demand on clinicians.
At Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we work closely with CAMHS professionals across the UK, from psychologists and mental health nurses to social workers and therapists. We understand the pressures involved, and we know that compassionate care must be matched by professional support, manageable caseloads and consistent supervision.
This blog explores the emotional realities of working in CAMHS and how early support, thoughtful recruitment and pacing can help clinicians thrive in these vital roles.
The Emotional Complexity of CAMHS Roles
Supporting young people often means managing a wide range of clinical and emotional issues at once. Clinicians in CAMHS are required to:
- Manage high-risk cases involving self-harm, trauma or safeguarding concerns
- Collaborate with schools, social workers and healthcare providers
- Build trust with children and families who may be reluctant to engage
- Navigate long waiting lists and service limitations while advocating for urgent care
This emotional weight is unique to CAMHS. Unlike many adult services, CAMHS professionals must work at the intersection of education, social care and clinical intervention, often adapting their approach to suit both the child and the wider family system.
Without the right structures in place, this pressure can quickly lead to burnout or compassion fatigue.
Why Supervision and Support Matter in CAMHS
In emotionally demanding roles, supervision is more than a requirement – it is a necessity for sustainable practice. CAMHS clinicians need consistent access to:
- High-quality clinical supervision that provides space for reflection and guidance
- Peer discussion forums and reflective practice groups
- Line management that understands the complexity of child-centred care
- Supportive teams that encourage emotional openness and collaborative problem solving
At Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we work with services that recognise the value of these structures. We actively place clinicians into environments where support is built into the role and where reflective practice is treated as a core part of the job.
Pacing and Caseloads: The Key to Sustainable CAMHS Work
Caseload management is one of the biggest factors affecting clinician wellbeing in CAMHS. While demand is rising, quality of care cannot be maintained unless clinicians are given the space and time to engage fully with each case.
We advocate for:
- Realistic caseload sizes that reflect the complexity of each case
- Clear expectations around documentation and outcome tracking
- Time for preparation, follow-up and case discussions
- Flexible contracts that allow for wellbeing and life balance
Locum work can be an ideal solution for CAMHS professionals who want flexibility without compromising on clinical impact. Through Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we offer CAMHS locum roles that are thoughtfully matched to your needs, skill level and preferred pace of work.
The Value of CAMHS Professionals
Children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties deserve care that is compassionate, consistent and professional. CAMHS clinicians play a vital role in early intervention, recovery and long-term stability. Their work helps reduce crisis escalation, improve family relationships and support young people in accessing education and community life.
The quality of that care depends on the working conditions clinicians are placed into. That is why it is our responsibility as a recruitment partner to ensure CAMHS professionals are supported every step of the way.
Work with Hunter Gatherer Mental Health
If you are a CAMHS clinician looking for your next role, Hunter Gatherer Mental Health can help. We place RMNs, psychologists, social workers, CBT therapists and more into CAMHS teams across the UK. Every placement is tailored to your clinical preferences, supervision needs and long-term goals.
If you are a service leader looking to bring skilled CAMHS professionals into your team, we will help you find compassionate, committed locums who are ready to make a difference.
Contact Hunter Gatherer Mental Health today to find out how we can support your journey in CAMHS. We are proud to support the professionals who support the next generation.