There has been a decrease every year for the past four years in the number of referrals CAMHS have received and accepted.
The number of rejected referrals has increased or stayed steady each year in the same period, reaching a record high of 11,067 in 2025.
Dr Katie Cathrow, vice chair of the Royal College of GPs Scotland (RCGP), said “unmet need” in mental health for young people is “very evident” and has called for increased funding for mental health.
She says a wider range of options including consistent community services are needed for those rejected from CAMHS.
“Rejected referrals can add to a patient’s feelings of being unworthy of help, however unintended,” she said.
“Everyone should feel comfortable seeking support if they are at all concerned about their mental health and we need to ensure there are enough onward services to refer people on to if required.”
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said nearly 80,000 children, young people and family members accessed community-based mental health support in 2024-25.
She also praised the “sustained and significant improvements in waiting times” after the longest waits fell to their lowest level since 2015 but said “there is still more to do”.
Scottish Labour mental health spokesperson Joe Long said: “It is deeply concerning that so many children and young people are being turned away from services in their hour of need.
“The Scottish government need to investigate why the number of rejected referrals is so high and ensure young people are not allowed to fall through the cracks when they need support.”
