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Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA)

Understanding who qualifies, what an IMHA can do and how independent advocacy supports your rights

An Independent Mental Health Advocate is a specialist advocate for people who qualify for support under the Mental Health Act. Their role is independent from the clinical team and focuses on helping the person understand their rights, communicate their views and participate meaningfully in decisions.

This guide explains both the possibilities and boundaries of the IMHA role.

It includes:

What an IMHA is
Who may qualify
Support for detained patients and people on CTOs
What an IMHA can help with
Tribunals and managers’ hearings
Understanding treatment and restrictions
Access to information and professionals
Confidentiality
How to access an IMHA
Communication and accessibility needs
IMHA vs IMCA vs Care Act advocacy
What an IMHA cannot do
Future Mental Health Act advocacy reforms
Practical questions to ask an advocate

A useful guide for understanding how independent advocacy can support voice, rights and participation within the Mental Health Act system.

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