The CAMHS Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Service has been announced as a finalist for the Staff Awards Ceremony 2024. This pioneering initiative is the only full programme DBT service for adolescents in Scotland, offering a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable young people in mental health care.
The CAMHS DBT Service provides a comprehensive approach to therapy, supporting adolescents dealing with severe suicidal ideation and self-harm. The programme combines weekly group work, individual sessions, and telephone support, offering intensive care tailored to the specific needs of each young person. Staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team from CAMHS locality, functional, and unscheduled care teams, the service ensures that every participant receives effective, personalised treatment.
Running continuously throughout the year, the programme offers 50 weeks of support, with each young person engaging in six months of treatment under the guidance of a dedicated DBT staff member. Parents play a crucial role in this journey, attending weekly group sessions to help support their child’s progress.
The impact of the CAMHS DBT Service is significant, particularly for those who have exhausted traditional mental health interventions. The programme has received positive feedback from both families and clinicians, leading to successful outcomes for many adolescents. One such example involves a 14-year-old female who, after repeated overdoses, self-harm, and emotional struggles, found a transformative experience through the DBT programme. She reported no further suicide attempts, a reduction in self-harming behaviours, and improved emotional regulation and family relationships.
The CAMHS DBT Service’s commitment to enhancing the lives of adolescents in crisis, coupled with its innovative, evidence-based approach, makes it a deserving finalist for this award. Its success not only highlights its unique position nationally but also demonstrates the profound positive impact it has on the young people it serves.
