Children, Young People and Families
Support for children, young people and families
If your child or young person has been referred to Healios, you may be experiencing a mix of emotions. You might feel relieved that they are getting support, while also feeling uncertain about what comes next. It’s completely natural to have questions about what an assessment or online appointment will involve.
We understand that not knowing what to expect can feel unsettling. We’re here to help you feel informed, prepared and reassured every step of the way.
If you’re a young person reading this, you might be wondering why you’ve been referred or whether it means something is “wrong”. You might also be thinking about what you’ll be asked to talk about, or if the appointment might feel awkward or scary. These are very normal questions.
This section is here to help you feel clearer, calmer and more prepared. You don’t need to know how everything works – we’ll explain what to expect, and you can always contact us if you have specific questions.
If you’re an adult who has been referred, you can find further information in our adult section.
We’ve created this section so you can access clear, straightforward information about:
- Who we are
- How Healios works with the NHS
- What your care journey will look like
- What online appointments are really like
- Practical resources and guidance
- Quick answers to common questions
You can explore everything here, or go straight to the page that feels most helpful right now.
Your next step
If you have just been told that Healios will be involved in your care, a helpful place to begin is:
- Your care journey – to understand what happens from referral to report
- What to expect – to feel prepared for appointments
You can also use our Contact page if you have a question that is not answered here. We are here to help you feel informed, supported and ready for the next step in your journey.
You are not expected to navigate this alone.
Whether you are a parent seeking clarity, or a young person trying to understand what this means – we are here to help you feel informed, supported and reassured as you move forward.
Who is Healios?
Healios provides specialist, evidence-based online assessments and support for autism, ADHD, and mental health for adults, children and young people. We provide personalised, compassionate care that helps young people feel understood, builds confidence, and supports families every step of the way.
We work in partnership with NHS services, Health Boards and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across the UK. Your local service may have chosen Healios to:
- Increase access to assessments and support
- Reduce waiting times
- Offer flexible, home-based appointments
- Provide specialist expertise
For many families, long waiting lists can feel frustrating and exhausting. By working in partnership with the NHS, we can help more families access care sooner while remaining part of your NHS pathway.
Our clinicians meet with individuals and families through secure online video appointments on our clinical platform, Panacea. Sessions usually take place at home or in another private space that feels comfortable and familiar.
Sometimes, where agreed with local NHS services, in-person assessments may also be offered.
If you would like to read more about our story and values, you can visit the About Healios page.
How Healios works with the NHS
If your child has been referred by the NHS or a Health Board, Healios becomes part of your existing care pathway – not a separate service.
When we receive a referral, we:
- Review the information shared by your local NHS team
- Contact you with clear next steps
- Arrange online appointments with experienced clinicians
- Share reports and clinical updates back with your NHS team
We follow the same clinical governance, safeguarding and information governance standards as the NHS. Where appropriate, our work aligns with national clinical guidance, including NICE recommendations.
This means your care is:
- Joined up
- Safe
- Regulated
- Clinically robust
You are not starting something new on your own – you remain within the NHS system.
What your care journey may look like
In this section, you can explore:
- Your care journey – a step-by-step guide from referral through to report and next steps
- What to expect – how online sessions work and how to prepare
- Resources for families – practical guidance and support materials
You can move through this at your own pace.
What online appointments are really like
It’s completely natural to have questions about online appointments. Many families wonder whether it will feel strange being on camera, whether their child will engage with that format. Some also have concerns about connectivity issues, and platform security. These are all valid concerns, and we take time to talk through them so you feel confident before sessions begin.
Across this section, we explain:
- How to join from a laptop, tablet or phone
- How we keep sessions secure and confidential
- What to do if technology fails
- How we adapt sessions if someone feels anxious about being on camera
Many families find that being at home helps children and young people feel more relaxed and able to be themselves. It can also make it easier for parents or carers to join, even from different locations.
If something feels difficult, we adjust. Shorter sessions, breaks or cameras off where appropriate are all possible. Flexibility is part of our approach.
Understanding how you might be feeling
For many parents and carers, a referral comes after a long period of noticing differences or seeking support. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions – relief that support is happening, alongside uncertainty about what comes next for your child.
Young people can feel a range of emotions too. Some feel validated, while others feel nervous or unsure what to expect. You might wonder if you’ll be judged, but you won’t be.
There are many myths about neurodevelopmental assessments. They are not about finding something ‘wrong’ – they help understand strengths, differences, and support needs. A diagnosis does not define a person or limit opportunities; it can bring clarity, access to support, and greater self-understanding. Online assessments are just as thorough as face-to-face sessions, delivered by trained clinicians who focus on understanding each person so you can feel comfortable and be yourself.
At Healios, every assessment is carried out by trained clinicians experienced in supporting children, young people and adults in a remote setting. They know how to help people of all ages feel comfortable, understood and able to be themselves. We approach every family with curiosity, respect and care – with no judgement, and a focus on understanding and support.
If you are looking for private or employer-funded support
Most people reading this section have been referred to Healios by the NHS.
If you are instead:
- looking to fund an assessment or support privately, or
- access support through an employer or insurer,
Please visit our private assessments and employer section. From there you can also explore Melios, our private service that is part of the Healios family.
Quick answers
Is Healios part of the NHS?
Healios is not an NHS organisation, but we work in partnership with NHS services, Health Boards and ICBs. If you have been referred by the NHS or used Right to Choose, your assessment or support is funded by the NHS.
Is online support safe for children and young people?
For many families, online appointments can be just as effective as in-person sessions and sometimes easier because people can take part from a familiar environment at home. For others, face-to-face support feels like a better fit. If anything about online sessions feels difficult (for example, anxiety about being on camera), tell us – we can make adjustments such as shorter sessions, breaks, involving a parent/carer, or other practical changes to help sessions feel manageable.