IMHA

Independent Mental Health Advocacy is a statutory right for patients detained under the Mental Health Act (except short term sections 4,5, 135 or 136)

In addition, people can also access an IMHA when they:

• have been provisionally discharged from hospital
• are on supervised Community Treatment Orders
• are on a guardianship
• are voluntary patients who are being considered for serious medical treatment as a result of a mental health condition
• are informal patients under the age of 18 and are being considered for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

IMHA’s support people with issues relating to their mental health care and treatment. They also help people to understand their rights under the Mental Health Act.

Referrals can be made by the person or by a professional.