PMHW:the concept

The Primary Mental Health Worker (PMHW) role was first
suggested by the Health Advisory Service report 'Together
We Stand' (HAS 1995). This envisaged a 4-tier model of
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
provision, extending from Tier 1 - universal first contact
services (primary care, education, youth justice and social
services) - through to specialist CAMHS. The PMHW role
would exist at the interface of tier 1 and the various
specialist services.

Emerging policy and guidance now emphasises the need
for Tier 1 workers and professionals in daily contact with
children to have sufficient knowledge of children's mental
health need to:

• identify those requiring help

• offer support and advice to those with
• minor problems

• to be able to refer when appropriate

The PMHW models in CAMHS that have emerged since
the 1995 report have evolved to provide Tier 1 staff with
dedicated support to further the development of the
aforementioned knowledge and skills. The PMHW role can
be seen as a vital communications hub linking the Tier 1
outside world with relevant highly specialised CAMHS.