Being detained
What does “being sectioned” mean?
Being sectioned means being kept in hospital under the Mental Health Act. There are strict rules about when it can happen and for how long.
Being checked by an independent advocate before it goes live.
The short version
- You can only be detained if the legal tests in the Mental Health Act are met. It usually needs doctors and an approved mental health professional to agree.
- Different sections last for different lengths of time. Some are for assessment, some for treatment.
- You must be told which section you are on, why, and what your rights are, in a way you understand.
- You can ask for an interpreter. You can ask for information in your own language.
What you can do
- Ask staff which section you are on and for how long.
- Ask for your rights to be explained again, at any time.
- Ask to see an independent mental health advocate.
- Ask how to appeal to the Mental Health Tribunal.
This is general information about the law in England. It is not advice about your own situation. For that, speak to an independent mental health advocate or a solicitor who specialises in mental health law.
