Detention under the Mental Health Act

Created by Enquiries Red Alert, Modified on Fri, 17 Mar 2023 at 12:46 AM by Enquiries Red Alert

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. 


Download the full PDF factsheet here or see below.

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select atleast one of the reasons

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article