Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

The specialist NHS mental-health service for children and young people in Kent and Medway, provided by Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust from 1 April 2026. It offers assessment and treatment for significant emotional-wellbeing and mental-health difficulties. Check the current service page for referral criteria and routes.

KCHFT Community Paediatrics accepts autism referrals up to age 11 in west and north Kent and up to age 8 in south and east Kent. Published timelines checked 26 July 2026 report an average 8 months to an initial appointment (some up to 14 months), then pathway diagrams showing 24 months for a single-professional autism decision and 56 months for a joint assessment; a separate KCHFT page still says 36–42 months for a full assessment. Ask the service which stage and estimate apply.

Robb Psychology Kent Ltd, trading as Autism Kent, is a private Whitstable practice led by a clinical psychologist. Its current site lists autism, ADHD and cognitive assessments for children and adults, plus related support. It is separate from the charity Kent Autistic Trust.

NHS-funded teams embedded in schools and colleges across Kent. Provide early intervention for mild to moderate mental health difficulties including anxiety, low mood, and behavioural concerns. Work alongside school staff. Accessed via school referral.