The number of children referred to mental health services in Gibraltar has declined following years of sharp increases, with projections suggesting a further reduction in 2025. Experts caution that this decrease does not necessarily indicate reduced need, but may instead reflect more effective early intervention and resource allocation.
Statistical Overview of Referral Trends
Data from the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) highlights the changing patterns of referrals to Gibraltar Young Minds (GYM). In 2019, there were 110 referrals, which fell to 48 in 2020 due to pandemic-related disruptions. Referrals returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, reaching 113 cases.
In 2022, referrals more than doubled to 283, and in 2023, they increased further to 295. However, 2024 saw a decline to 230 children, and so far in 2025, 155 children and adolescents have been referred.
Government Response and Early Intervention Efforts
“While it is too early to draw firm conclusions about consistent patterns in referral rates, given that the service is still relatively new, we continue to strengthen our collaboration with partners, including the Department of Education, the Care Agency, and charities such as Childline,” a Government spokesperson stated.
Early intervention and prevention are increasingly emphasized, ensuring that GYM can focus on children with the most complex needs. The spokesperson clarified, “A lower number of referrals does not necessarily indicate a reduced level of need. On the contrary, it may reflect more effective early intervention and improved allocation of resources across the system.”
Common Reasons for Referral
The primary reasons for referrals have remained consistent in recent years. Children are frequently referred for mental health difficulties such as anxiety, self-harm, school avoidance, and eating disorders. Behavioural challenges are also common, with families seeking guidance on managing children’s behaviour.
Additionally, a significant proportion of referrals concern neurodevelopmental issues, particularly ADHD assessments and medication. GYM also supports children with autism spectrum disorder who experience anxiety or other mental health difficulties.
Waiting Times and Interim Support
Current waiting times for GYM services are approximately 26 weeks for psychiatric consultations, 33 weeks for psychological assessments, and 25 weeks for counselling. While on the waiting list, children receive interim support from the Gibraltar Young Minds nursing team, which provides monitoring and therapeutic interventions.
All referrals are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team before being accepted or placed on a waiting list. The number of children seen weekly varies according to clinical need, term times, and intervention type. On average, GYM sees around 65 children each week, while the nursing team monitors patients requiring medication reviews.
Staffing and Service Capacity
The GYM team includes three part-time psychiatrists, two based in Gibraltar and one remotely from the UK, offering both face-to-face quarterly clinics and remote consultations. Clinical psychologist posts recently increased to 2.1 whole-time equivalents, thanks to additional funding from September 2025 to January 2026.
Additional team members include one part-time assistant psychologist, one registered mental health nurse, and two enrolled nurses, supporting comprehensive care across the service.
Conclusion
While referral numbers fluctuate, the overall focus of Gibraltar Young Minds remains on delivering targeted care to children with complex needs. Effective early intervention, strengthened partnerships, and improved allocation of resources are central to ensuring that mental health services meet the needs of Gibraltar’s young population.
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