1 September 2020 update: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Changes to Mental Health Act (MHA) interim methodology
Now that most of the national restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic are easing, we have reviewed our interim methodology for MHA monitoring visits.
As a result, we may carry out more targeted site visits to:
- help support our interim MHA monitoring
- speak with people that we haven't been able to talk to by phone or video call
- review ward environments
Find out more about these changes in our update to Dr Kevin Cleary's blog.
We monitor the use of the Mental Health Act and protect the interests of people whose rights are restricted under that Act.
Most people receiving mental health care do not have their rights restricted. However, in some instances this happens to protect the person receiving treatment or others.
Select one of the sections below to find out what to expect if your rights are restricted, what to do if you’re not satisfied with the care you receive and how to get support from an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
Detention in hospital
Find out what to expect if you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder and are detained under the Mental Health Act for assessment or treatment in a hospital.
Community treatment orders
Find out what happens after being discharged from hospital if you are given a community treatment order (CTO).
Mental Health Act reviewers
Find out how our Mental Health Act reviewers visit and protect people whose rights are restricted in hospital.
Mental Health Act
Download the full Mental Health Act 1983.
Contact us or make a complaint
If you are unhappy with the way the Mental Health Act has been used, find out how to Make a complaint.
You can also give feedback on care using our website and tell us what you think about your care and treatment.
Find out more
Find out more about our mental health and mental capacity work
Find out more about our inspections of specialist mental health services
Find out more about the Mental Health Act
Find out more about the Mental Capacity Act's deprivation of liberty safeguards
See our recent mental health and mental capacity publications