BUP / BUPA

BUP (Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic)

BUP is part of the specialist health service and is an outpatient service within mental health care for children and adolescents. It is an offer for children and adolescents under the age of 18 and their families. Outpatient means that you get appointments there, but are not admitted. BUP can help children, adolescents and their families with assessment, treatment, counselling and facilitation for mental, behavioural and learning-related difficulties.

Read more about BUPA further down in this article.

When should you seek help from BUP?

In case of suspected diagnosis.
Great difficulty coping with everyday life due to mental health problems.
Restlessness, anxiety or sadness that doesn't go away.
Challenges with sleeping, eating, or concentrating.
Behavior that is difficult to handle, or that causes major problems at home and/or at daycare/school.
Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to live.

Who can refer to BUP?

Parents cannot refer directly to BUP, but you can request a referral from:

Child welfare services
The GP
Public health nurse in the municipality or at the school.
PPT (Pedagogical-Psychological Service)
Psychologist in the municipality

What happens after referral?

BUP will review the referral within 10 working days.
If the referral is approved, you will be called in for an initial interview.
Both the child and you as parents participate in conversations where challenges, behavior and needs are mapped.
If the child is eligible for treatment, a plan is made for further investigation or follow-up.
If your referral is denied, read: Complaint about BUP

How can you prepare?

Write down examples of your child's challenges and how they affect everyday life.
Note down questions you want answered.
Write a "diary" for a period of time for situations that arise.
Bring documentation from school, PPT or other professionals.

Important to know

The best interests of the child should always be the basis.
You have the right to information and access to assessments and treatment plans.
If the referral is rejected, you will receive a written rejection with reasons and advice on other offers.

Useful contact points

The GP – first step for referral.
School health services – can assess and refer.
Emergency room – in case of emergency.

BUPA (Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department)

For most people, treatment at BUP is done on an outpatient basis, but in some cases, admission to BUPA is necessary. This applies when the situation is so serious that the child or young person needs close follow-up and 24-hour treatment.

Hospitalization may be appropriate for:

Acute risk of self-harm or suicide attempt.
Severe psychological symptoms that cannot be managed outpatiently.
When the child/youth is unable to function at home or at school due to serious ailments.
When investigation or treatment requires observation over time.

How does admission happen?

Admission is not made directly by parents, but after an assessment by a doctor, psychologist or other professional.
Acute cases can be referred through an emergency room or a GP.
BUP assesses the need and collaborates with parents on further plans.
During hospitalization, the child/youth receives structure, care and treatment from a multidisciplinary team.