Mental Health
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) offers a range of specialised services and programs through Perth Children’s Hospital.
Emergency mental health support: CAMHS Crisis Connect
CAMHS Crisis Connect is a dedicated urgent mental health support service for young people aged 17 years and under.
The free phone and online video service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 048 636.
In addition to helping young people in crisis, CAMHS Crisis Connect can support families, carers and anyone who cares for young people in the community, such as health and education professionals.
CAMHS Crisis Connect provides expert advice to children and young people when they need it most. This includes:
- specialist urgent tele-mental health support
- crisis management
- mental health and risk assessment via telehealth or in-person at PCH Emergency Department
- follow-up within 24 hours of receiving an assessment
Learn more about CAMHS Crisis Connect
Eating Disorders Service
The Eating Disorders Service at Perth Children’s Hospital offers a range of supportive treatment options for children and young people who are experiencing difficulties in managing their health, in relation to eating and exercise.
The multi-disciplinary team provides outpatient care, day treatment, inpatient care and support groups. The program supports children and young people and their families through assessment, recovery and discharge from the service.
The program accepts referrals for young people up to 18 years.
Learn more about the PCH Eating Disorders Service
Gender Diversity Service
The Gender Diversity Service (GDS) is a specialist outpatient service for the assessment and care of children and adolescents experiencing gender diversity issues.
Any child or young person up to the age of 18, who lives in Western Australia, can be referred to the GDS for consultation about concerns regarding their gender identity, gender non-conforming behaviour or gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that a person may experience when their gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Learn more about the Gender Diversity Service at PCH
Mental Health Inpatient Unit (Ward 5A)
The Mental Health Inpatient Unit on Ward 5A at PCH is the state-wide assessment and treatment facility for children and young people up to 16 years old with complex and acute mental health issues.
Ward 5A is a recovery focused service where the consumer and their parents or carers and family remain at the centre of all we do.
It offers a seven-day multidisciplinary program in a safe environment for voluntary and involuntary patients as authorised under the Mental Health Act (2014).
The unit offers short term assessment, brief intervention and therapeutic group programs, depending on the needs of the patient.
Learn more about Ward 5A
PCH Psychiatric In-reach Team
If your child is admitted to Perth Children’s Hospital for any reason and they have a co-occurring mental health issue, the PCH Psychiatric In-Reach Team (PPIRT) can assist.
PPIRT collaborates with medical and surgical teams across the hospital to ensure that the assessment and treatment of PCH patients is comprehensive, timely, responsive and effective.
Learn more about the PCH Psychiatric In-reach Team