If you need urgent mental health support, call Connection the NHS 24/7 phone line on 0800 6520190
You could also:
- complete the NHS form Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111 or
- telephone NHS on 111, select Option 2 and you will be signposted to the right service for the support you need
What is the Mental Health Act 1983
The Mental Health Act is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of children and adults with a mental health disorder. You can read the Mental Health Act (1983) on the government legislation website. You can also read what Mind the mental health charity say about what it covers and what your rights are. What is the Mental Health Act 1983? - Mind
Our responsibilities
Considerations and assessments under the act
We are responsible for considering a person's situation which could include:
- carrying out a Mental Health Act assessment which would help us decide whether we should detain someone in hospital. This would be to ensure they receive the right care and medical treatment for a mental disorder
- looking at what care and or treatment a person might need during a mental health crisis
Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) consider all referrals made to the Dorset AMHP Service Hub (DASH). By this stage all attempts to help the person with their mental health should have already been tried. This could include:
- a recent appointment with a psychiatrist
- a visit to the GP
- an outpatient appointment with a mental health professional
- support from the crisis services
Principles of the Mental Health Act (1983)
1. Least restrictive option:
- anyone who is assessed and cared for under the act must not be restricted unnecessarily. The outcome must be provided in the least restrictive way
- professionals are making decisions on someone's behalf, they must also assess whether there is any need to act at all
2. Empowerment and involvement - Individuals being supported to make their own decisions:
- Anyone who is assessed and cared for under the act must be given practical support to make decisions for themselves.
3. Treated with respect:
- anyone who is assessed and cared for under the act, and their family members and carers who are consulted for information, should be treated with respect and dignity and their views listened to by professionals
4. Purpose and effectiveness
Any decision about care and treatment under the act must:
- be specific to the person’s personal circumstances
- have clear therapeutic benefit to them
- promote their recovery
- be based on best-practice guidelines
5. High quality
Health and social care organisations should work together to make sure that the services they provide are of high quality. They must also help the person leave hospital safely and with appropriate support in place. See Free aftercare under section 117 of the Mental Health Act if you have ever been admitted to hospital for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Dorset Approved Mental Health Professional Service
See more information about the Dorset Approved Mental Health Professional Service and their contact details.