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What is Choice and Partnership? 

The Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) is used in Grampian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to improve access, engagement, and outcomes for children, young people, and their families. It is a collaborative, needs-led model that supports informed decision-making and tailored care.  

Choice Appointment 

The Choice appointment is the initial assessment within CAMHS. It’s a collaborative conversation between the young person, their family, and a clinician to explore current concerns, strengths, and goals. The purpose of this appointment is to: 

• Assess whether CAMHS is the most appropriate service to support the young person’s needs  

• Focus on what the young person wants to change or get help for 

• Discuss potential treatment options and agree on a plan for next steps  
• Identify alternative services if CAMHS is not the best fit  

Partnership Work 

If CAMHS is agreed to be the right service, the young person may be offered Partnership work. This stage includes: 

• Further assessment and shared understanding (formulation) of the young person’s difficulties  

• Development of a shared understanding of needs and goals  

• Planning and delivering therapeutic intervention, which may include one-to-one work, group therapy, or digital support options  

Partnership work is goal-focused and regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and effective. It can be delivered in a variety of formats to suit individual needs and preferences, including: 

• Face-to-face sessions  

• Online appointments  

• A combination of both  

Digital Support: SilverCloud Programmes 

CAMHS works alongside Grampian’s digital therapies team to offer access to SilverCloud, a secure online platform providing evidence-based programmes based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These can be used independently or alongside other support. 

For Parents and Carers, SilverCloud offers guided programmes to help support children and young people experiencing: 

• Anxiety 

• Low mood 

• ADHD-related difficulties 

For Young People, SilverCloud provides Computerised CBT (C-CBT) programmes designed to help manage symptoms of anxiety and low mood. These can be accessed following a referral from a GP or CAMHS clinician. SilverCloud programmes are flexible, confidential, and can be accessed at your own pace from home.