The lengths of time that children with mental health problems wait for assessment and treatment have been revealed.

Figures released by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust show that some vulnerable youngsters in Merton waited up to 19 weeks to be assessed during the period of November 2014 to October last year.

During that time the average wait for assessment in Merton was 10 weeks.

The average wait for treatment during the same period was eight weeks but some waited up to 22 weeks.

However the situation has been improving with data for the period up to April this year showing that the average wait to be assessed is now two weeks – though one has waited nine weeks – and on average six weeks’ wait for treatment. One young person waited 18 weeks, another 16, one 15 and two waited 14 weeks.

Following a major review in 2013, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) underwent a restructuring that prompted the development of a single-point access to the service, in order to improve access and responsiveness.

Diana Cassell, clinical director for CAMHS, said: “Over the last few years our CAMHS services have been radically improved following a major review in 2013 to make sure services we provide are more responsive and are easier to access.

“We have updated models of care providing clear care pathways between local boroughs based and dedicated specialist services for specific conditions.

“These meet locally identified need and all are designed to offer evidence based interventions.”

The CAMHS service aims to assess patients within two months of their first contact with the child. After an initial assessment, patients are referred for treatment if the assessment indicates it is needed.

Prior to the CAMHS restructure the average wait for a child to be assessed in Merton was 10 weeks and they could expect to wait on average 15 weeks for treatment.

However the data shows that the top five longest waits for treatment at that time for 46 weeks, 40 weeks, 37, 36 and 35 weeks.

Dr Cassell said: “Longer waiting times are predominantly related to neurodevelopment which present more complex needs.

“The CAMHS Neurodevelopmental team was created to provide co-ordinated diagnostic assessment packages for children identified as needing assessment of conditions such as ADHD, Asperger’s and Autistic spectrum disorders.

“Nationally many services have waits for 1-2 years for these assessments.

“This service was created in the transformation to reduce wait times, which were significantly longer previously.

“The service is highly valued and so the number of referrals has increased creating considerable pressure which contributes to delays.”