Mental Health Act

In most cases, when people are treated in hospital or another mental health facility, they have agreed or volunteered to be there. You may be referred to as a voluntary patient. But there are cases when a person can be detained, also known as sectioned, under the Mental Health Act (1983) and treated without their agreement.

The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder. People detained under the Mental Health Act need urgent treatment for a mental health disorder and are at risk of harm to themselves or others.

If your loved one has been detained, they will have to stay in hospital until the doctors or a mental health tribunal decide otherwise.

Visit the NHS website (opens new window) for more information about the Mental Health Act and what happens when someone is detained.

View an easy read page about the Mental Health Act on the NHS website (opens new window).

Visit the NHS website (opens new window) for information about where to get urgent help for mental health.