Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service

Mental health and wellbeing information on the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website.

AMHPs are professionals who apply the Mental Health Act 1983 across all age groups and mental health conditions. 

The AMHP service performs statutory duties and operates independently, ensuring decisions are made 24/7, 365 days a year. They work in communities, hospitals, and prisons, and with the individual their families and carers. 

The service is a team of social workers and mental health professionals who intervene during mental health crises when community support options are exhausted.  

Their role is crucial in safeguarding those in mental health crises. They are highly skilled and trained in legal frameworks and human rights.  

AMHPs ensure the least restrictive care, balancing risks and individual rights and decide on detaining individuals under the Act. This could lead to compulsory hospital admission.  

The team also provides ongoing advice to partners and families to support those at risk of detention under the Mental Health Act.  

Your nearest relative

In the Mental Health Act 1983, the following people are treated as your “relative”:  

• your husband, wife or civil partner
• a partner who has been living with you as if they were your husband, wife or civil partner for more than six months
• your son or daughter
• your mother or father
• your brother or sister
• your grandmother or grandfather
• your grandson or granddaughter
• your aunt or uncle
• your nephew or niece
• anyone else you have been living with for at least five years 

You can find more information about what is meant by a nearest relative on the Mind website.

How to contact the AMHP Service 

Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 by contacting our Customer Fulfillment Centre on 0118 9373747  

Out of Hours, Weekends and Bank Holidays by contacting Emergency Duty Team on 01344 351999