Information about detention under the Mental Health Act. This includes the criteria for detention or ‘sectioning’, information about different sections and the rights of someone who has been detained.
- The Mental Health Act is the law which sets out when you can be admitted, detained and treated in hospital against your wishes. It is also known as being ‘sectioned’.
- For this to happen, certain people must agree that you have a mental disorder that requires a stay in hospital. There you will have an assessment and be given treatment if needed.
- This is only done when you are putting your own safety or someone else’s at risk.
- You can sometimes be given treatment even if you don’t want it.
- There are different sections of the Mental Health Act that have different aims.
- You have certain rights under the Mental Health Act, including the right to appeal and the right to get help from an advocate.
- Section 117 aftercare is free aftercare that you get once you leave hospital under certain sections.
See details about the Mental Health Act 1983 - Sections 2, 3, 4 & 5 here
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