Independent Mental Health Advocate

(IMHA)

A statutory advocate under the Mental Health Act 1983 (sections 130A-130D) appointed to support patients detained under most sections of the Act, on a Community Treatment Order, or under guardianship. Free, independent of the hospital. Advocates on the patient's wishes including treatment decisions and Tribunal applications.

The IMHA must be available to all 'qualifying patients' — those detained under section 2, 3, 4 (after 72 hours), 5(2), 5(4), CTO patients, guardianship patients, and detained patients due for serious medical treatment under section 58. The IMHA can: visit the patient, attend meetings, see medical records, take instructions from the patient, advocate for the patient's wishes to the clinical team, and help with Tribunal applications. Patients can request an IMHA at any time. Funded by the Integrated Care Board (formerly CCG). Different from an IMCA (Mental Capacity Act).

Official guidance

Related terms

Mental Health Act 1983Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

Related guides

Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs)

Every patient who is "qualifying" under the Mental Health Act 1983 has a statutory right to the support of an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). IMHAs are specialist advocates who help patients understand their rights, navigate the MHA system, and have their views represented — completely independently of the treating team.

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