Mental health in the mainstream

This paper proceeds in three parts. Part 1 provides an overview of choice in the NHS and choice in relation to mental health. It considers how the nature of choice in mental health might differ from choice elsewhere in the health service.

Part 2 charts the uneven transition of mental health services from a default position of no or little choice, towards a greater role for people’s preferences. It offers an assessment of people’s current choices or lack of choices in recovery options. While this paper is focused on choice in the context of health and social care, it argues that choice cannot be isolated in these services. The principle of choice goes hand in hand with the drive towards greater social inclusion for people with mental health problems.

Finally Part 3 outlines the core principles for promoting choice in mental health, as well as the conditions necessary to support choice in practice.