The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guidance gives details of the methods and the evidence used to develop the guidance.
In this guidance, families and carers include relatives, friends, non‑professional advocates and significant others who play a supporting role for the person using mental health services. If the service user agrees, families and carers should have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about treatment and care. Families and carers should also be given the information and support they need.
People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in NICE's information on making decisions about your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the strength (or certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about prescribing medicines (including off-label use), professional guidelines, standards and laws (including on consent and mental capacity), and safeguarding.
Work in partnership with people using mental health services and their families or carers. Offer help, treatment and care in an atmosphere of hope and optimism. Take time to build trusting, supportive, empathic and non‑judgemental relationships as an essential part of care.
When working with people using mental health services:
aim to foster their autonomy, promote active participation in treatment decisions and support self‑management
maintain continuity of individual therapeutic relationships wherever possible
offer access to a trained advocate.
When working with people using mental health services and their family or carers:
ensure that you are easily identifiable (for example, by wearing appropriate identification) and approachable
address service users using the name and title they prefer
clearly explain any clinical language and check that the service user understands what is being said
take into account communication needs, including those of people with learning disabilities, sight or hearing problems or language difficulties, and provide independent interpreters (that is, someone who does not have a relationship with the service user) or communication aids (such as using pictures, symbols, large print, Braille, different languages or sign language) if required.
When working with people using mental health services:
make sure that discussions take place in settings in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected
be clear with service users about limits of confidentiality (that is, which health and social care professionals have access to information about their diagnosis and its treatment and in what circumstances this may be shared with others).
When working with people using mental health services:
ensure that comprehensive written information about the nature of, and treatments and services for, their mental health problems is available in an appropriate language or format including any relevant text from NICE's information for the public
ensure that comprehensive information about other support groups, such as third sector, including voluntary organisations, is made available.
Ensure that you are:
familiar with local and national sources (organisations and websites) of information and/or support for people using mental health services
able to discuss and advise how to access these resources
able to discuss and actively support service users to engage with these resources.
When working with people using mental health services:
take into account that stigma and discrimination are often associated with using mental health services
be respectful of and sensitive to service users' gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, background (including cultural, ethnic and religious background) and any disability
be aware of possible variations in the presentation of mental health problems in service users of different genders, ages, cultural, ethnic, religious or other diverse backgrounds.
Health and social care professionals working with people using mental health services should have competence in:
assessment skills and using explanatory models of illness for people from different cultural, ethnic, religious or other diverse backgrounds
explaining the possible causes of different mental health problems, and care, treatment and support options
addressing cultural, ethnic, religious or other differences in treatment expectations and adherence
addressing cultural, ethnic, religious or other beliefs about biological, social and familial influences on the possible causes of mental health problems
conflict management and conflict resolution.
Health and social care providers' boards should work with local authorities and all other local organisations with an interest in mental health (including social services, other hospitals, third sector, including voluntary, organisations, local press and media groups, and local employer organisations) to develop a strategy to combat the stigma in the community and in the NHS associated with mental health problems and using mental health services.
Health and social care professionals should ensure that they:
understand and can apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) appropriately
are aware that mental capacity needs to be assessed for each decision separately
can assess mental capacity using the test in the Mental Capacity Act (2005)
understand how the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005) relate to each other in practice.
Develop advance statements and advance decisions with the person using mental health services if they wish to do so, especially if their illness is severe and they have been previously treated under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007). Document these in their care plans and ensure copies are held by the service user and in primary and secondary care records.
When a service user has impaired capacity, check their care record for advance statements and advance decisions before offering or starting treatment.
Consider service users for assessment according to local safeguarding procedures for vulnerable adults if there are concerns regarding exploitation or self‑care, or if they have been in contact with the criminal justice system.
Discuss with the person using mental health services if and how they want their family or carers to be involved in their care. Such discussions should take place at intervals to take account of any changes in circumstances, and should not happen only once. As the involvement of families and carers can be quite complex, staff should receive training in the skills needed to negotiate and work with families and carers, and also in managing issues relating to information sharing and confidentiality.
If the person using mental health services wants their family or carers to be involved, encourage this involvement and:
negotiate between the service user and their family or carers about confidentiality and sharing of information on an ongoing basis
explain how families or carers can help support the service user and help with treatment plans
ensure that no services are withdrawn because of the family's or carers' involvement, unless this has been clearly agreed with the service user and their family or carers.
If the person using mental health services wants their family or carers to be involved, give the family or carers verbal and written information about:
the mental health problem(s) experienced by the service user and its treatment, including relevant text from NICE's information for the public
statutory and third sector, including voluntary, local support groups and services specifically for families and carers, and how to access these
their right to a formal carer's assessment of their own physical and mental health needs, and how to access this (see NICE's guideline on supporting adult carers).
If the service user does not want their family or carers to be involved in their care:
seek consent from the service user, and if they agree give the family or carers verbal and written information on the mental health problem(s) experienced by the service user and its treatments, including relevant text from NICE's information for the public
give the family or carers information about statutory and third sector, including voluntary, local support groups and services specifically for families or carers, and how to access these
tell the family or carers about their right to a formal carer's assessment of their own physical and mental health needs, and how to access this (see NICE's guideline on supporting adult carers)
bear in mind that service users may be ambivalent or negative towards their family for many different reasons, including as a result of the mental health problem or as a result of prior experience of violence or abuse.
Ensure that service users who are parents with caring responsibilities receive support to access the full range of mental health and social care services, including:
information about childcare to enable them to attend appointments, groups and therapy sessions
hospital care in local mother and baby units for women in the late stages of pregnancy and within a year of childbirth
a family room or space in inpatient units where their children can visit them.
When providing training about any aspect of mental health and social care:
involve people using mental health services in the planning and delivery of training
ensure that all training aims to improve the quality and experience of care for people using mental health services; evaluate training with this as an outcome.
Health and social care providers should consider employing service users to be involved in training teams of health and social care professionals and supporting staff (such as receptionists, administrators, secretaries and housekeeping staff) in 'person‑centred care'. Such training should be tailored to the needs of people who attend mental health services and should be evaluated using experience of care as an outcome. Service users themselves should be provided with training and supervision to undertake this role.
Managers of health and social care providers should consider employing service users to monitor the experience of using mental health services, especially inpatient services, for example by paying them to undertake exit interviews with service users who have recently left a service. Offer service users training to do this.
Service managers should routinely commission reports on the experience of care across non‑acute and acute care pathways, including the experience of being treated under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007). These reports should:
include data that allow direct comparisons of the experience of care according to gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, background (including cultural, ethnic and religious background) and disability
include analyses of data from multiple sources, particularly data collected by service users monitoring service user experience and complaints
be routinely communicated to the health and social care providers' board.
When people are referred to mental health services, ensure that:
they are given or sent a copy of the referral letter when this is sent to mental health services
they are offered a face‑to‑face appointment with a professional in mental health services taking place within 3 weeks of referral
they are informed that they can change the date and time of the appointment if they wish
any change in appointment does not result in a delay of more than 2 weeks.
When people are sent an appointment letter for mental health services it should:
give the name and professional designation of the person who will assess them
include information about the service, including a website address where available, and different options about how to get there
explain the process of assessment using plain language
specify all the information needed for the assessment, including about current medication
address the likely anxiety and concern often experienced by people attending mental health services for assessment
explain that although they can be accompanied by a family member, carer or advocate if they wish for all or part of the time, it is preferable to see the person alone for some of the assessment
ask if they require anything to support their attendance (for example, an interpreter, hearing loop, wider access)
give a number to ring if they have problems getting to the appointment or wish to change it.
Mental health services should establish close working relationships with primary care services to ensure:
agreed processes for referral, consistent with 1.2.1, are in place, and
primary care professionals can provide information about local mental health and social care services to the people they refer.
Take into account the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and make sure services are equally accessible to, and supportive of, all people using mental health services.
Local mental health services should work with primary care and local third sector, including voluntary, organisations to ensure that:
all people with mental health problems have equal access to services based on clinical need and irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, background (including cultural, ethnic and religious background) and any disability
services are culturally appropriate.
On arrival at mental health services for assessment, service users should be greeted and engaged by reception and other staff in a warm, friendly, empathic, respectful and professional manner, anticipating possible distress.
Before the assessment begins, the health or social care professional undertaking the assessment should ensure that the service user understands:
the process of assessment and how long the appointment will last
that the assessment will cover all aspects of their experiences and life
confidentiality and data protection as this applies to them
the basic approach of shared decision‑making (also see the NICE guideline on decision-making and mental capacity)
that although they can be accompanied by a family member, carer or advocate for all or part of the time, it is preferable to see the person alone for some of the assessment
that they can refuse permission for any other member of staff, such as a student, to be present.
When carrying out an assessment:
ensure there is enough time for the service user to describe and discuss their problems
allow enough time towards the end of the appointment for summarising the conclusions of the assessment and for discussion, with questions and answers
explain the use and meaning of any clinical terms used
explain and give written material in an accessible format about any diagnosis given
give information about different treatment options, including drug and psychological treatments, and their side effects, to promote discussion and shared understanding
offer support after the assessment, particularly if sensitive issues, such as childhood trauma, have been discussed.
If a service user is unhappy about the assessment and diagnosis, give them time to discuss this and offer them the opportunity for a second opinion.
Copy all written communications with other health or social care professionals to the service user at the address of their choice, unless the service user declines this.
Ensure that if a service user needs to wait before an assessment, this is for no longer than 20 minutes after the agreed appointment time; explain the reasons for any delay.
Ensure that waiting rooms are comfortable, clean and warm, and have areas of privacy, especially for those who are distressed or who request this, or are accompanied by children.
Inform service users of their right to a formal community care assessment (delivered through local authority social services), and how to access this.
Inform service users how to make complaints and how to do this safely without fear of retribution.
When communicating with service users use diverse media, including letters, phone calls, emails or text messages, according to the service user's preference.
Develop care plans jointly with the service user, and:
include activities that promote social inclusion such as education, employment, volunteering and other occupations such as leisure activities and caring for dependants
provide support to help the service user realise the plan
give the service user an up‑to‑date written copy of the care plan, and agree a suitable time to review it.
Support service users to develop strategies, including risk‑ and self‑management plans, to promote and maintain independence and self‑efficacy, wherever possible. Incorporate these strategies into the care plan.
If they are eligible, give service users the option to have a personal budget or direct payment so they can choose and control their social care and support, with appropriate professional and peer support as needed.
For people who may be at risk of crisis, a crisis plan should be developed by the service user and their care coordinator, which should be respected and implemented, and incorporated into the care plan. The crisis plan should include:
possible early warning signs of a crisis and coping strategies
support available to help prevent hospitalisation
where the person would like to be admitted in the event of hospitalisation
the practical needs of the service user if they are admitted to hospital (for example, childcare or the care of other dependants, including pets)
details of advance statements and advance decisions (see recommendation 1.1.11)
whether and the degree to which families or carers are involved
information about 24‑hour access to services
named contacts.
Ensure that service users routinely have access to their care plan and care record, including electronic versions. Care records should contain a section in which the service user can document their views and preferences, and any differences of opinion with health and social care professionals.
Health and social care providers should ensure that service users:
can routinely receive care and treatment from a single multidisciplinary community team
are not passed from one team to another unnecessarily
do not undergo multiple assessments unnecessarily.
Ensure that service users have timely access to the psychological, psychosocial and pharmacological interventions recommended for their mental health problem in NICE guidance.
Mental health services should work with local third sector, including voluntary, black and minority ethnic and other minority groups to jointly ensure that culturally appropriate psychological and psychosocial treatments, consistent with NICE guidance and delivered by competent practitioners, are provided to service users from these groups.
Mental health and social care professionals inexperienced in working with service users from different cultural, ethnic, religious and other diverse backgrounds should seek advice, training and supervision from health and social care professionals who are experienced in working with these groups.
Immediately before assessing a service user who has been referred in crisis, find out if they have had experience of acute or non‑acute mental health services, and consult their crisis plan and advance statements or advance decisions if they have made them. Find out if they have an advocate and contact them if the service user wishes. Ask if the service user has a preference for a male or female health or social care professional to conduct the assessment, and comply with their wishes wherever possible.
When undertaking a crisis assessment:
address and engage service users in a supportive and respectful way
provide clear information about the process and its possible outcomes, addressing the individual needs of the service user, as set out in the section on assessment
take extra care to understand and emotionally support the service user in crisis, considering their level of distress and associated fear, especially if they have never been in contact with services before, or if their prior experience of services has been difficult and/or they have had compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007).
Assessment in crisis should be undertaken by experienced health and social care professionals competent in crisis working, and should include an assessment of the service user's relationships, social and living circumstances and level of functioning, as well as their symptoms, behaviour, diagnosis and current treatment.
If assessment in the service user's home environment is not possible, or if they do not want an assessment at home, take full consideration of their preferences when selecting a place for assessment.
When a person is referred in crisis they should be seen by specialist mental health secondary care services within 4 hours of referral.
Health and social care providers should provide local 24‑hour helplines, staffed by mental health and social care professionals, and ensure that all GPs in the area know the telephone number.
Health and social care providers should ensure that crisis resolution and home treatment teams are accessible 24‑hours a day, 7 days a week, and available to service users in crisis regardless of their diagnosis.
To avoid admission, aim to:
explore with the service user what support systems they have, including family, carers and friends
support a service user in crisis in their home environment
make early plans to help the service user maintain their day‑to‑day activities, including work, education, voluntary work, and other occupations such as caring for dependants and leisure activities, wherever possible.
At the end of a crisis assessment, ensure that the decision to start home treatment depends not on the diagnosis, but on:
the level of distress
the severity of the problems
the vulnerability of the service user
issues of safety and support at home
the person's cooperation with treatment.
Consider the support and care needs of families or carers of service users in crisis. Where needs are identified, ensure they are met when it is safe and practicable to do so.
Health and social care providers should support direct self‑referral to mental health services as an alternative to accessing urgent assessment via the emergency department.
When a service user enters hospital, greet them using the name and title they prefer, in an atmosphere of hope and optimism, with a clear focus on their emotional and psychological needs, and their preferences. Ensure that the service user feels safe and address any concerns about their safety.
Give verbal and written information to service users, and their families or carers where agreed by the service user, about:
the hospital and the ward in which the service user will stay
treatments, activities and services available
expected contact from health and social care professionals
rules of the ward (including substance misuse policy)
service users' rights, responsibilities and freedom to move around the ward and outside
meal times
visiting arrangements.
Make sure there is enough time for the service user to ask questions.
Undertake shared decision‑making routinely with service users in hospital, including, whenever possible, service users who are subject to the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007). See the NICE guideline on decision-making and mental capacity.
Commence formal assessment and admission processes within 2 hours of arrival.
Shortly after service users arrive in hospital, show them around the ward and introduce them to the health and social care team as soon as possible and within the first 12 hours if the admission is at night. If possible, this should include the named healthcare professional who will be involved throughout the person's stay.
Offer service users in hospital:
daily one‑to‑one sessions lasting at least 1 hour with a healthcare professional known to the service user
regular (at least weekly) one‑to‑one sessions lasting at least 20 minutes with their consultant
an opportunity to meet with a specialist mental health pharmacist to discuss medication choices and any associated risks and benefits.
Ensure that the overall coordination and management of care takes place at a regular multidisciplinary meeting led by the consultant and team manager with full access to the service user's paper and/or electronic record. Service users and their advocates should be encouraged to participate in discussions about their care and treatment, especially those relating to the use of the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007). However, these meetings should not be used to see service users or carers as an alternative to their daily meeting with a known healthcare professional or their weekly one‑to‑one meeting with their consultant.
Health and social care providers should ensure that service users in hospital have access to the pharmacological, psychological and psychosocial treatments recommended in NICE guidance provided by competent health or social care professionals. Psychological and psychosocial treatments may be provided by health and social care professionals who work with the service user in the community.
Ensure that service users in hospital have access to a wide range of meaningful and culturally appropriate occupations and activities 7 days per week, and not restricted to 9am to 5pm. These should include creative and leisure activities, exercise, self‑care and community access activities (where appropriate). Activities should be facilitated by appropriately trained health or social care professionals.
Ensure that service users have access to the internet and telephone during their stay in hospital.
All health and social care professionals who work in a hospital setting should be trained as a team to use the same patient‑centred approach to treatment and care.
Service users receiving community care before hospital admission should be routinely visited while in hospital by the health and social care professionals responsible for their community care.
Ensure that all service users in hospital have access to advocates who can regularly feed back to ward professionals any problems experienced by current service users on that ward. Advocates may be formal Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHAs), or former inpatients who have been trained to be advocates for other service users not detained under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007).
Ensure that hospital menus include a choice of foods, and that these are acceptable to service users from a range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and with specific physical health problems. Consider including service users in planning menus.
Anticipate that withdrawal and ending of treatments or services, and transition from one service to another, may evoke strong emotions and reactions in people using mental health services. Ensure that:
such changes, especially discharge, are discussed and planned carefully beforehand with the service user and are structured and phased
the care plan supports effective collaboration with social care and other care providers during endings and transitions, and includes details of how to access services in times of crisis
when referring a service user for an assessment in other services (including for psychological treatment), they are supported during the referral period and arrangements for support are agreed beforehand with them.
Agree discharge plans with the service user and include contingency plans in the event of problems arising after discharge. Ensure that a 24‑hour helpline is available to service users so that they can discuss any problems arising after discharge.
Before discharge or transfer of care, discuss arrangements with any involved family or carers. Assess the service user's financial and home situation, including housing, before they are discharged from inpatient care.
Give service users clear information about all possible support options available to them after discharge or transfer of care.
When plans for discharge are initiated by the service, give service users at least 48 hours' notice of the date of their discharge from a ward.
When preparing a service user for discharge, give them information about the local patient advice and liaison service (PALS) and inform them they can be trained as an advocate or become involved in monitoring services if they choose.
Detain service users under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) only after all alternatives have been fully considered in conjunction with the service user if possible, and with the family or carer if the service user agrees. Alternatives may include:
medicines review
respite care
acute day facilities
home treatment
crisis houses.
Carry out an assessment for possible detention under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) in a calm and considered way. Respond to the service user's needs and treat them with dignity and, whenever possible, respect their wishes.
Explain to service users, no matter how distressed, why the compulsory detention or treatment is being used. Repeat the explanation if the service user appears not to have understood or is pre‑occupied or confused. Ask if the service user would like a family member, carer or advocate with them.
When detaining a service user under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) inform the receiving mental health service about the service user so they are expecting them and ready to welcome them to the service.
When detaining a service user under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007):
give them verbal and written information appropriate to the section of the Act used, including 'patient rights leaflets' detailing what is happening to them and why, and what their rights are
repeat this information if they appear not to have understood or are pre‑occupied or confused
give them, and their families or carers if they agree, information about the legal framework of the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007)
ensure they have access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).
Inform service users detained under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) of their right to appeal to a mental health tribunal and support them if they appeal; provide information about the structure and likely speed of the appeals process.
Inform the service user that if they are dissatisfied with their care and wish to make a complaint while under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) they should, in the first instance, direct their complaint to the service detaining them. If they are dissatisfied with the service's response to their complaint, inform them they can complain to the Care Quality Commission and explain how to do this.
When a service user is admitted to a 'place of safety' ensure they are assessed for the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) as soon as possible, and certainly within 4 hours.
After application of the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007) ensure that:
transition to the inpatient unit is smooth, efficient and comfortable
family and carers can travel with the service user if safe to do so
the police are involved only if the safety of the service user, family, carers, dependent children or health and social care professionals is an important consideration and cannot be managed by other means, such as involving more professionals.
Control and restraint, and compulsory treatment including rapid tranquillisation, should be used as a last resort, only after all means of negotiation and persuasion have been tried, and only by healthcare professionals trained and competent to do this. Document the reasons for such actions.
When a service user is subject to control and restraint, or receives compulsory treatment including rapid tranquillisation under the Mental Health Act (1983; amended 1995 and 2007):
recognise that they may consider it a violation of their rights
use minimum force
try to involve healthcare professionals whom the service user trusts
make sure the service user is physically safe
explain reasons for the episode of compulsory treatment to the service user and involved family members or carers
offer to discuss episodes of compulsory treatment with the service user at the time of discharge and do so in a calm and simple manner
ensure training in restraint involves service users.
After any episode of control and restraint, or compulsory treatment including rapid tranquillisation:
explain the reasons for such action to the service user and offer them the opportunity to document their experience of it in their care record, and any disagreement with healthcare professionals
ensure that other service users on the ward who are distressed by these events are offered support and time to discuss their experience.