Harriet Finlayson

Senior Mental Health Nurse & CAMHS Practitioner
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Harriet Finlayson is an experienced Mental Health Nurse and CAMHS practitioner with over 16 years’ experience across child and adolescent mental health services, including NHS community CAMHS, specialist inpatient services and remote family mental health care. She has particular expertise in supporting children and young people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental needs, including individuals with complex or co-occurring mental health difficulties. CV – August 26.docx

Harriet has extensive experience conducting mental health assessments with children, young people and families, including CAMHS crisis and A&E assessments, risk assessment, therapeutic interventions, safeguarding and multidisciplinary care planning. Her career has included senior clinical and leadership positions within specialist adolescent inpatient services as well as community CAMHS, giving her a strong understanding of the different challenges young people and their families can experience across the mental health pathway. CV – August 26.docx

A major focus of Harriet’s work is ADHD, autism and neurodiversity-informed care. She has experience advising families on ADHD and autism, reviewing clinical information to consider suitability for formal neurodevelopmental assessment, supporting families through assessment pathways and providing post-diagnostic guidance and practical strategies. She also works with families where ADHD or autism occurs alongside other mental health or behavioural difficulties, helping them understand needs and navigate appropriate services and support. CV – August 26.docx

Harriet also works as a Clinical Expert within NHS England’s Care (Education) and Treatment Review programme, contributing to CTRs and CETRs for people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent presentations. Her approach emphasises neurodiversity-affirming, least-restrictive care, with careful consideration of communication, sensory needs, psychological safety and the wider family and educational environment. CV – August 26.docx

Her clinical approach is compassionate, practical and family-centred. She has a particular interest in helping children and young people feel understood while giving parents and families clear, accessible guidance to better understand neurodevelopmental differences and support their child’s wellbeing and development.

Specialist Interests:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) • ADHD in Children and Young People • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Neurodevelopmental Assessment Pathways • Neurodiversity-Informed Care • Complex and Co-occurring • Mental Health Needs • Family Support and Psychoeducation • Risk Assessment and Safeguarding • Care, Education and Treatment Reviews (CETRs) • Post-Diagnostic ADHD and Autism Support