Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service

Before a referral for MHA assessment

Before a referral for a Mental Health Act assessment it is important that any steps should have been taken to ensure alternative options have been exhausted.

Explore other solutions

The AMHP service should only be contacted when it is clear that there is no alternative and a lesser restrictive solution is not available.

These could include:

1. Support from a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment or Emergency Response Team;
2. Additional respite for a carer;
3. Changes to a care and support service;
4. The provision of urgent care and support services;
5. Reablement e.g. to support a person to learn a new medication regime.

If you are not the clinical team leader, team manager or senior worker, you must discuss the referral with a senior team member to rule out alternative support or treatment options before making a referral.

The individual must have been seen and contacted within the previous 24 hours.

Nearest relative requests need to be discussed with the AMHP service.

Request a referral online

This process is for professionals such as GPs, mental health teams and acute inpatient services to request a mental health assessment for an adult who may pose a risk to themselves or others. We also accept referrals from the police and other emergency services, and prisons within Cheshire East.

If you are unsure you should always consult with the AMHP service before requesting an assessment.

Previous When a MHA assessment is required

Next Requesting AMHP referral