Children who don't get the mental health assistance they need are more likely to drop out of school, self harm or worse.
The Children's Rights Alliance has been reacting to figures that show that 81 children have been waiting at least 18 months for an urgent appointment.
According to details released under the Freedom of Information Act, there are 2,224 children on the waiting list for the HSE's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
More than a quarter - 660 - have been waiting at least six months for an appointment.
209 have been waiting for at least a year, while 81 have been waiting for at least 18 months.
CEO of the Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward says some of these children are suicidal: 'Really all parents have at that point is to bring a child to A&E, if a child is at risk of suicidal ideation'.
At present, There remain 14 vacant posts in Camhs, while 31 consultant psychiatrists posts are filled on a temporary basis.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service says that the availability of skilled staff is a significant issue in mental health services where demand outstrips supply.
