Psychosis in a child or teenager: help for parents and carers

Getting the right assessment or review

Ask which specialist service can assess someone their age. NICE recommends assessment without delay for possible psychosis, through services such as CAMHS or Early Intervention in Psychosis for those aged 14 or over. Local names, age ranges and referral routes vary across the UK; ask the GP or team which route applies.

If they already have a diagnosis, tell their team about new or worsening difficulties and ask for a review. Describe what has changed in sleep, eating, school, contact with others and safety. Mersey Care lists changes that need urgent help; do not wait for a routine appointment if they are deteriorating or unsafe.

If they do not want to attend, you can still ask their GP or team for advice. Ask how the team will involve you and what can be shared: age, understanding and UK legal differences matter.

They are saying hurtful things or pushing you away

Fear or mistrust may affect how they respond to you. But their diagnosis cannot settle what an argument means, or tell you why they prefer another person’s company. You can take their concerns seriously and acknowledge how much this hurts you.

Read about hurtful behaviour, rejection and keeping contact possible. The conversation advice can help across ages; use this under-18 page for services and care arrangements.

If they seem frightened, try a quiet space, a calm voice and one simple offer of help. Avoid debating their beliefs. YoungMinds’ psychosis guidance covers responding calmly and listening. If you feel unsafe, step away and get help; ask the team for a plan that protects everyone at home.

If they stay with another parent or trusted adult

There may be several reasons they want to stay elsewhere. The immediate practical question is how their support will continue. Where contact between adults is safe, involve your child and their team in agreeing:

• Who will be with them and what that adult can manage.
• Who will contact the team and help with appointments or prescribed treatment.
• What contact your child wants with you, and what information can be shared.
• Who to call if things worsen, including outside normal hours.

These are suggested planning questions, based on NICE’s guidance on involving families in care and crisis plans. If adults cannot communicate safely, ask the team to help coordinate support. Do not use your child to carry arguments or demands between households. If you are worried about harm or neglect where they are staying, seek safeguarding advice.

Ask about family support and school

NICE recommends family intervention for families of children and young people with psychosis. This is structured support to understand what is happening, work through difficulties and plan for crises. Ask their team how to access it and who can take part.

Tell the team if school attendance or learning is affected. NICE says teams should work with schools and colleges to support education. Ask for a named school contact and an agreed plan; our school-attendance guide covers further questions.

You can also ask the team about support for you. Feeling hurt, angry or guilty does not stop you caring about your child. Find support for yourself.