Policing.uk
Approved mental health professional
- Mental health
A person approved by a local social services authority under section 114 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to undertake certain statutory functions under the Act, including making applications for compulsory admission to hospital and examining persons removed to a place of safety under sections 135 and 136. AMHPs are usually social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, or psychologists.
In practice
In a section 136 or 135 scenario, the police role is to bring the person to or retain them at a place of safety. The AMHP, along with a registered medical practitioner, then conducts the formal assessment and decides whether to make an application for compulsory admission. The AMHP is independent in their decision making.
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Last updated 12 October 2026