More than 1,700 young people waiting for mental health assessments in Northern Ireland

October 8, 2026 The Belfast Desk

More than 1,700 children and young people were waiting for mental health assessments across Northern Ireland at the end of June, according to new figures published by the Department of Health.

Young girl speaking with a mental health professional in a counselling room, illustrating CAMHS waiting times in Northern Ireland — New figures reveal that 1,731 children and young people were waiting for CAMHS assessments across Northern Ireland at the end of June 2026.

The latest Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) statistics show that 1,731 assessments were outstanding on 30 June 2026.

Of those waiting, 651 had been waiting for more than nine weeks, representing 38% of the total.

Belfast Trust records highest number waiting

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust recorded 917 people awaiting assessment, the highest figure among Northern Ireland’s health trusts.

However, Belfast Trust also provides CAMHS services for the South Eastern Trust area, meaning the figure covers a wider geographical population than Belfast alone.

The Northern Trust recorded the lowest number waiting, at 231.

First figures following Encompass rollout

The figures are the first CAMHS waiting-time statistics published since May 2025, following the introduction of the Encompass digital health records system.

The Department of Health has cautioned that the change in how information is collected represents a break in the statistical series.

This means comparisons between the latest figures and those published before the Encompass rollout should be treated carefully.