We understand that moving from Children and Young People Mental Health services (CYPMHS) to Adult Mental Health Service (AMHS) may feel like a daunting process for both young people and their families.  
 
We acknowledge that these periods can be emotional, but our clinicians are here to support you.   

What is transition like in Kent & Medway?  

In Kent and Medway our transition process is designed with the intention of preparing and empowering you and your family through this process.  
To prepare you for this change we aim to involve you in this process by placing your needs at the centre.  
If you choose to be involved, it can make you feel empowered and confident to manage the move when the time comes.  

What is the procedure?  

At the Children and Young people mental health services, your allocated clinician will have a series of discussions for joint decision making.  
 
This discussion will include your goals, treatment options, care plan, transition process and a timeline for the movement into the adult services.  
 
Your clinician will present these discussion points at a group of professionals which will involve, adult mental health workers, social and educations services, primary care, voluntary sector organisations to ensure that all your care needs are met. 
 
A clinician from the adult mental health service known will be allocated to work jointly with your clinician from children and young people services.  
 
They will work together with you and your family on how your goals and care needs will be met in the adult mental health service.  

How do I know all my needs are captured in the move? 

A joint care plan covering all your goals, treatment, social and educational care needs will be drawn up with you which will be shared with adult health services.  
 
A date and time will be arranged for your care to transfer to the adult services, your clinician in children and young people services will reduce their input and the adult services increase theirs.  
 
Nearer to your 18th Birthday, a joint meeting will be arranged with you and/or family where your joint care plan will be reviewed and agreed. This is to ensure there is a consistent level of care when you move to the adult service.   
 
Your named worker from the children’s service will gradually stop their involvement whilst the adult services welcome you to their service.  
 
After your move, you will still have a familiar contact such as your specialist practitioner, your social worker (if you have one), peer support worker or your GP.  
 
Sometimes your care can be passed on to the GP, NHS Talking therapies or specialist services, when that is required, your health care practitioner will discuss with you. 
 
The pathway practitioners will do their best to ensure that your transition is a positive one for you and your family. 

Why do I need to be involved? 

Your involvement in the process is important as it can help you gain confidence and skills to make the right choices and decisions for your care.   
 
We value your opinion and want to hear about your experience, so we may ask for your feedback to aid improve the service we provide.  

What is available for my family, guardian, support network etc? 

We acknowledged that the transition process can equally be stressful for parents, grandparents, guardians and anyone who forms part of your support network therefore we have a service available to psychologically support parents/guardians in this process. 
 
This support is provided by NHS Talking Therapies services. Please use the link below to self-refer to the service.  
NHS Mental Health - Self Referral - Vita 
 
If you have any questions about your transition into adult mental health then please contact us using the below email. 
kmpt.enquiries.cypmhs-amhs.transitions@nhs.net