Orkney MSP Liam McArthur highlighted to the Scottish Parliament the need for increased capacity in local child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Orkney.
Mr McArthur pointed to the findings of a report for NHS Orkney by Professor Linda Gask from 2017 which confirmed that the need for recruitment of CAMHS staff was urgent.
He told minister for public health, Joe Fitzpatrick, that demand on the service had only increased since then.
Mr McArthur has also highlighted the issue of changes at the Royal Cornhill Hospital, which have resulted in mental health team staff from Orkney, including CAMHS team members, having to accompany patients transferring from the islands to Aberdeen.
He told ministers this is having an impact on scheduled appointments and putting additional pressure on an already stretched service.
Mr Fitzpatrick invited Mr McArthur to meet his colleague, mental health minister, Clare Haughey to discuss the issue in more detail.
Mr McArthur said: ““I look forward to meeting the minister in the near future to discuss in more detail what can be done to address these capacity issues.
“Young people who experience mental ill health are some of the most vulnerable in our community. It is essential that services are in place at a time and in a way that meets their needs.”