Original post by bullettheoryI'll answer based on my experiences, but I haven't been in CAMHS for some years, so it may be outdated.
It depends on who you will see, mostly I have seen a CPN (a nurse) or a social worker first, and then if they deem that it is needed, you will see a psychiatrist on a seperate date. I have had initial assessments with psychiatrists though. It will probably say on your appt letter.
It's up to you if you want your mum there or not. Usually they are there to start with, but then whoever is doing your assessment will ask if you want them to leave, often they make them leave then ask you this question, so you aren't under pressure. What happened with me was, that my dad came in, he left, the woman asked if i wanted him there, i said no, she then went out and told him to wait, we talked, then he came back in at the end and she discussed what was going to happen next.
It has been known for some people to ask to see your cuts, although I have never been asked by a psychiatrist, CPN, social worker or any other MH professional to show them my cuts. The only time I got asked to show them was by an A&E doctor, and I refused, and they just left it.
They will often ask whats going on right now, and you will just describe the problems, they will then ask you specific questions, based on what you have said, then usually take a history (my dad came back to help me with this, although its not compulsory, I just didn't know much about my family history) - history is both of you and also your family. They will then probably sum up what you have said, and then decide where to go from there. They will not make any firm decisions there and then, don't worry, this doesn't mean they didn't listen to you, they have to discuss each case at a meeting with all the professionals, so they can decide what is the best way forward (other people may have a better idea of what is best for you). Once they know what is going to happen, they will get back in touch with you, usually by letter, and then you will either be taken on with the service, asked to see someone else in the service for a better opinion (most likely a psychiatrist), or they will refer you to somewhere more appropriate (usually back with your GP).
Hope that helped, if you have any questions, just PM me.