Mental Health in Northern Ireland: Overview, Strategies, Policies, Care Pathways, CAMHS and Barriers to Accessing Services

Synopsis: This paper provides background information on mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (NI). It provides definitions of mental health and illness; gives an overview of mental illness (including self-harm and suicide) in NI; highlights the relevant overarching strategies and policies and those specific to mental health, mental illness and suicide for NI; describes the care pathway for treating mental health problems, with specific reference to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS); discusses evaluations of mental health service provision in NI in terms of accessing services and barriers to access; and highlights relevant initiatives in neighbouring jurisdictions.

Date: 25 January 2017