Assessment for CPA
People who are in touch with secondary mental health services (health and social services) are entitled to a CPA assessment.
Getting a CPA assessment
A person will usually need a referral to secondary services from his/her GP although some Community Mental Health Teams will accept self-referrals.
Sometimes people are referred from casualty departments or other ‘Secondary mental health services’ which can mean outpatient psychiatric services, in-patient psychiatric units and the Community/Mental Health Team (CMHT)
Sometimes people are referred from casualty departments or other ‘Secondary mental health services’ which can mean outpatient psychiatric services, in-patient psychiatric units and the Community/Mental Health Team (CMHT)
What is a CPA assessment?
The assessment is key to the drawing up of an appropriate and helpful care plan. In an assessment the person should be assessed for:
- Psychiatric functioning
- Psychological functioning
- Co-existing problems such as substance misuse, learning disabilities or
- Personality disorders
- Physical health needs
- Social needs and social circumstances
- Child care issues
- Housing
- Financial situation
- Leisure needs and work needs
- Risk to themselves and others
- Need for medication
- Level of support needed
- Support network
- Their strengths and aims
- Carer’s involvement
- Race, gender, religion and cultural needs
- Advocacy and legal advice
- How well the person communicates
- Any areas of conflict e.g. between user and carers.
