Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) – Practitioner Training
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the rationale for the early detection and prevention of psychosis.
- Recognise the clinical features and stages of emerging psychosis.
- Apply the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) within routine clinical practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the core psychometric principles and rating scales used in CAARMS assessments.
- Identify individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis using evidence-based assessment approaches.
- Interpret assessment findings to inform appropriate clinical decision-making and risk management.
- Understand the role of CAARMS within wider NHS assessment pathways, including screening, follow-up and preventive interventions.
- Apply best practice when assessing individuals presenting with emerging mental health difficulties in early intervention and related clinical services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAARMS?
The Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) is a semi-structured clinical assessment tool used to identify individuals who may be at increased risk of developing psychosis. It helps practitioners recognise emerging symptoms and inform appropriate clinical care.
Who can attend this training?
Healthcare professionals and trainees working with individuals at risk of developing psychosis are welcome to attend. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, GPs, social workers, healthcare assistants, allied health professionals and other practitioners working in relevant clinical services.
Do I need previous experience with CAARMS?
No previous experience with CAARMS is required. The training introduces the assessment tool, its core principles and practical application in clinical settings.
How is the course structured?
The practitioner training combines two consecutive days of live teaching with interactive eLearning. Participants will develop their knowledge and practical assessment skills through lectures, demonstrations, observation and skills practice.
Do I need to attend both training days?
Yes. Attendance on both days is required to complete the practitioner training and undertake the final psychometric assessment.
Will I receive certification after completing the course?
Yes. Participants who successfully pass the final psychometric assessment will receive CAARMS Practitioner certification. Those who do not pass on their first attempt will have a second opportunity to complete the assessment within one week. Participants who do not pass the second attempt will need to repeat the practitioner training.
Is the training suitable for professionals working in adult or crisis services?
Yes. The training is relevant to professionals working with individuals experiencing emerging mental health difficulties, particularly those aged 12–35. Practitioners working in adult mental health, early intervention, early detection and crisis services may also benefit.
Can I book the training as an individual?
Yes. Individual healthcare professionals and trainees can book directly through the Maudsley Learning website, subject to availability.
Is the training available to professionals outside the NHS or England?
Yes. The training is open to eligible healthcare professionals from NHS, independent and private healthcare settings, including those based outside England.
Schedule
Group bookings
Discounted rates are available for group bookings. Please contact us for more information. Maudsley Learning has a full range of courses to meet the needs of your organisation. Most can be delivered to you flexibly and tailored to your requirements.
Bespoke courses
We are able to offer custom-made programs, whether digital or face to face, to meet the education and training needs of your organisation in the UK or internationally.
Research
We value research and knowledge-sharing and will continue to contribute to the literature base on mental health education, addressing important research questions in this exciting field.
