CAMHS Mental Health Observations
This module is for anyone working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and provides information on the importance of behavioural observations and inpatient monitoring. Issues with inpatient observations are also covered.
Learning Outcomes
What you'll learn
- Understand the various ways in which the term ‘observation’ can be applied within a CAMHS setting
- Appreciate the observations of children and their families that you can gather before and during clinical encounters
- List behaviours which can be observed using a structured behavioural observation
- Describe some methods of structured behavioural observation
- Discuss the role of standardised instruments in regard to CAMHS observation
- Explain what the acronym BETLS stands for, and appreciate how you may use the BETLS tool to informally assess a child's behavior in practice
- Describe the ABC model of behavioural assessment, and understand when and how this should be used
- Recognise when referral for specialist help is needed in regard to a child’s behaviour
- Define close observations in regard to inpatient CAMHS care
- Understand the use of close observations in inpatient risk management
- Appreciate the contentious nature and issues with close observations
Learning Outcomes
What you'll learn
- Understand the various ways in which the term ‘observation’ can be applied within a CAMHS setting
- Appreciate the observations of children and their families that you can gather before and during clinical encounters
- List behaviours which can be observed using a structured behavioural observation
- Describe some methods of structured behavioural observation
- Discuss the role of standardised instruments in regard to CAMHS observation
- Explain what the acronym BETLS stands for, and appreciate how you may use the BETLS tool to informally assess a child's behavior in practice
- Describe the ABC model of behavioural assessment, and understand when and how this should be used
- Recognise when referral for specialist help is needed in regard to a child’s behaviour
- Define close observations in regard to inpatient CAMHS care
- Understand the use of close observations in inpatient risk management
- Appreciate the contentious nature and issues with close observations
Modules
Module 1
What are Observations?
Module 2
Benefits and Drawbacks of Observations
Module 3
Gathering Observations
Module 4
Structured Behavioural Observations
Module 5
The Use of Standardised Instruments
Module 6
The BETLS Tool
Module 7
The ABC Model of Behavioural Observations
Module 8
Recognising the Need for Referral
Module 9
Inpatient Observations
Module 10
Issues with Inpatient Observations
Module 11
Confronting Potential Inpatient Observation Issues
Module 12
Summary
Module 13
References
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Frequently Asked Questions
CAMHS mental health observations involve systematically assessing a child or young person's behaviour, mood, presentation and risk to support safe, appropriate care.
BETLS is a structured framework used to informally assess a child's behaviour by considering Behaviour, Emotion, Thinking, Learning and Social factors.
The ABC model examines the Antecedent, Behaviour and Consequence to help CAMHS professionals understand patterns of behaviour and identify appropriate interventions.
Close observations may be used in inpatient CAMHS settings when a child or young person presents a significant risk to themselves or others and requires increased monitoring.
CAMHS observations help identify changes in behaviour, emotional wellbeing and risk, supporting early intervention, safeguarding and appropriate referral for specialist mental health support.