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#Mental health laws - Rethink Mental Illness, the mental health charity

Find out more about the Mental Health Act and other important rules rights.

Mental Health Act 1983

This section gives information about detention under the Mental Health Act. This is also known as being ‘sectioned’. It explains what the Mental Health Act is, why you may be detained and what rights you have if you are. If you care for someone who has been detained, you might also find it useful.

Mental capacity and mental illness

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) protects vulnerable people over 16 who are not able to make their own decisions. This section looks at mental capacity law.

Community Treatment Orders

This section gives an overview of Community Treatment Orders. CTOs are made so that someone who has been detained under certain sections of the Mental Health Act 1983 can leave hospital to be treated in the community, but can be recalled by a doctor if this is deemed necessary.

Section 117 Aftercare

This factsheet explains whether you can get free aftercare under section 117 (normally pronounced ‘one-one-seven’) of the Mental Health Act 1983. It also explains what services you might get and when your care will end.