In most cases, when you are treated in hospital or another mental health facility, you have agreed or volunteered to be there. You may be referred to as a “voluntary patient”.
However, there are cases when you can be detained (also known as sectioned) under the Mental Health Act (1983) and treated without your agreement. The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder.
A person can be detained under the Mental Health Act need urgent treatment for a mental health disorder and are at risk of harm to themselves or others.