Care Programme Approach

The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is used to plan many people’s mental health care. This section explains what it is, when you should get and when it might stop.

• The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is a system that says how mental health services should support you.
• Community Mental Health Teams / Recovery Teams, Assertive Outreach Teams and Early Intervention Teams are likely to use CPA.
• You may get support under CPA if you are very unwell and have complex needs. Local mental health services will have policies about who gets help under CPA.
• You should get a care coordinator who plans your care and support. You will review the plan regularly to see if your needs have changed.

This section covers:

1. What is the Care Programme Approach (CPA)?
2. Who gets help under CPA?
3. What do I get under CPA?
4. When will my CPA stop?
5. What support can I get if not on CPA?
6. What if I am not happy with the help I am getting?

These pages are created by Rethink Mental Illness' Advice and Information Service in accordance with the Information Standard. Last reviewed in September 2015. Next review September 2017.