What to expect if your rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act

We monitor the use of the Mental Health Act and protect the interests of people whose rights are restricted under that Act. In this section you will find information about what to expect if your rights are restricted and what to do if you’re not satisfied with the care you have received. Most people receiving mental health care do not have their rights restricted. However, in some instances this happens to protect the person receiving treatment and others. There are different ways in which the Mental Health Act is used to restrict a person’s rights.


  • Detention in hospital

    Find out what to expect if you are suffering from a mental illness and are detained under the Mental Health Act for assessment or treatment in a hospital.

  • Community treatment orders (CTOs)

    Find out what happens after being discharged from hospital if you are given a Community treatment order.

  • What do our Mental Health Act commissioners do?

    Find out how our Mental Health Act Commissioners visit and protect people whose rights are restricted in hospital.

  • How to complain

    Find out how to complain about the way in which somebody has used their powers or carried out their duties under the Mental Health Act.

  • How to contact us

    You can also contact us to tell us what you think about your care and treatment or to find out more about us.