I'm 17, and I'm leaving CAMHS, but I'm not ready.

[piestyn]

I'm 17 years old, and I'll be 18 in about 5 months, and I was told today that my next appointment which is on the 13th of December will likely be my final session.

I have depression and anxiety, which I've had for about 4-5 years, although I only went to CAMHS for the the first time in June of this year. I go to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). The typical amount of sessions for CBT is 6 sessions, and my next appointment will be my 16th session, so I know it's realistic to move on. I just don't think I'm ready. My psychologist is actually leaving at the end of December, which is why she's wrapping up all of her cases, but since starting CAMHS, I do feel like it has been a constant and now it just feels like the rug is being pulled from under me, and I don't know what to do.

I've been reading about other people's situations and I keep seeing them being told they should ask to be referred to an adult service, and my friend who also goes to CAMHS is getting moved to adult therapy. The thing is that I feel like if I ask about being moved to an adult service, it'll look like I'm either lying or have attachment issues. Plus it might seem like a slap to the face when it seems like I've been doing well, but I still need help. I think that if I don't have some sort of CBT or other therapy type environment, I'm going to spiral again and I really don't want that.

[HopeRises]

I understand how your feeling. I remember having similar feelings when I was discharged from CAMHS. If I remember rightly I wasn't straight away referred to adult services but if that is what you feel you need then ask for it..they might be reluctant though 1. because they won't want you to be too dependant on services 2. although no fault of your own, there is no money and most services are stretched but I would definitely ask.

Also, (im sure this isn't at a CAMHS level~) there are IAPT services (primary care) usually offering CBT. either in a group setting, 1-1 face to face or 1-1 phone cbt. so i'm wondering that if they say no to refering you straight to adult, they could refer you to something like this?

You might find that without services that you are ok and you can also go to GP and asked to be refered. I think its natural though to be worried..its the fear of unknown and also change is weird and scary which might be a reason your anxiety has spiked. You don't know how you will react to it though and it could turn out ok and you could do without services.

If you feel you want to try adult or something similar though ask..and maybe speak to your therapist about your concerns.