Assessment under Mental Health Act 1983

About the Mental Health Act 1983

The Mental Health Act 1983 is a law that sets out when and how someone can be assessed, treated, or admitted to hospital for mental health reasons - sometimes without their consent.

Key points:

• It applies to people with serious mental health conditions who may need urgent care.
• It allows for hospital admission and treatment under certain sections of the Act.
• People have rights under the Act, including the right to appeal and access advocacy.
• It includes safeguards to ensure care is appropriate and respectful.
• Carers and families may also be involved in the process and have rights to information.

For more detailed guidance, visit:

• Mind website - Explains what the Act covers, your rights, and how it affects treatment and care.
• Rethink Mental Illness website - Learn about the different sections of the Mental Health Act, why someone might be detained, and what support is available.

Mental Health Act assessment 1983

If you believe someone may need a Mental Health Act assessment, you can discuss this with an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) who will consider the case.

Weekday contact (Monday to Friday, 9:00am until 5:00pm)

• Call Wokingham Mental Health Services Duty Team
• 0118 904 4800

Out-of-Hours contact (Evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays)

Available for urgent social care emergencies outside normal working hours.

• Call the Emergency Duty Service
• 01344 786543

Information about the Emergency Duty Service can be found on the Bracknell Forest Council website.