CAMHS - Urgent Help
Access support 24/7 in a mental health crisis
If you need urgent mental health support:
- Call NHS 111 and press 2 for the mental health option
- Or call South West London and St George's Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000.
The crisis line can provide an interpretation service if needed.
Anyone can make an urgent referral through NHS 111 (press 2) or our Crisis Line. This includes GPs, partner agencies, private providers, or members of the public.
Both services are available 24/7, and you can call for yourself or for someone else. You do not need to have used mental health services before.
Both services have a team of mental health specialists who can:
- Provide professional support and advice by phone
- Direct you to the right service for your needs
- Help you to get seen by a professional if you need an urgent assessment and arrange further support if needed.
South London NHS Mental Health Crisis Text Service
You can also access the same support offered on NHS 111 press 2 via WhatsApp Messenger. To access the service, use this WhatsApp link or message 0303 330 1511 on WhatsApp where one of our friendly advisors can support with your unique needs.
Access support if you are Deaf or hearing impaired
If you are Deaf, you can call our crisis line using Convo Now (previously Sign Live). Download the app for iOS or Android.
For NHS 111 – there is VRS available https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs111/
For 999 – 999 BSL https://999bsl.co.uk/
Access support for children and young people
If you’re a child, young person, or a parent/carer worried about a young person’s mental health, call the South London Partnership CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Crisis Line on 0203 228 5980. The line is open every day from 9am to 11pm.
Access support if there is a risk to life
Call 999 or attend A&E if someone’s life is at risk during a mental health crisis – for example, risk of a medical emergency, serious injury or overdose, or if you have concerns about your physical health that require immediate medical attention.
If you go to A&E with a mental health emergency they may refer you to the liaison psychiatry team if further mental health input is needed. There are liaison psychiatry teams based in the following local A&E departments:
- St George’s Hospital, St. James Wing, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT
- St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1AA
- Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7QB
Access support if you are already a patient at our Trust
Between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday, contact the team providing your care using the details they have provided and follow any arrangements they have made with you for accessing support.
Recovery Cafés (also known as Crisis Cafés)
If you are struggling with how you are feeling or feel at risk of going into crisis, your local Recovery Café can help. Recovery Cafés are a free walk-in out of hours service where you can talk to people who will understand and help you.
You don’t need a referral or an appointment to visit. You can ring ahead if you need any support getting there or would like to speak with a member of staff first.
You can find a list of recovery cafes by visiting the South West London and St George’s Mental Health Urgent Help webpage.
