Approved mental health professional

The role of Approved Social Worker, or ASW, has now been replaced by that of Approved Mental Health Professional, or AMHP, in England and Wales.

The 2007 amendment of the Mental Health Act 1983 abolished the role of the Approved Social Worker and created that of the Approved Mental Health Professional. This role is broadly similar to the role of the Approved Social Worker but is distinguished in no longer being the exclusive preserve of social workers. It can be undertaken by other professionals including community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists.

Approved Mental Health Professionals are trained to implement elements of the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007, in conjunction with medical practioners. They have received specific training relating to the application the Mental Health Act, usually lasting one year, and perform a pivotal role in assessing and deciding whether it is necessary to detain, or 'section', mentally disordered people, in the interests of their own mental health, or due to risk to themselves or others.

References

• Mental Health Act 2007