Mental health hospital criteria decide who can be admitted for treatment, either voluntarily or under the law. If you’re very unwell and can’t be safely supported in the community, you may need hospital care. Sometimes, admission is compulsory if you’re at risk to yourself or others. 

Who can be admitted to a mental health hospital? 

Voluntary admission 

You can choose to go into hospital if: 

• You’re very unwell and need care that can’t be provided in the community. 
• You agree to treatment and give your consent. 
• There’s a bed available and the care team believes hospital is the best option.
   

Find out more about voluntary admission here. 

Compulsory admission (“sectioned”) 

You may be detained under the Mental Health Act if: 

• You have a mental disorder and are a high risk to yourself or others. 
• Community treatment isn’t enough to keep you safe. 
• Detention is only used when no other options are available. 
• An Approved Mental Health Professional and two doctors must agree hospital admission is necessary. 
• You can’t be detained just for drug or alcohol addiction, but you can if substance use has caused mental health problems.
  
  

Learn more about the Mental Health Act. 

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are measures used in hospitals or care homes to keep people safe when they lack mental capacity, ensuring their rights are protected if their freedom is restricted for their own safety.  

DoLS may be used if: 

• You lack mental capacity and need protection from harm. 
• There’s no other way to keep you safe. 
• DoLS is more common for people with dementia or learning disabilities.
  
  

Read about DoLS and your rights. 

How is the decision made? 

Usually, three professionals (an AMHP and two doctors) assess you. They look at your mental health, risk, and whether community treatment is possible. 

See how the assessment works here. 

Key criteria for admission 

• Severe mental health problem needing hospital care 
• Risk to self or others 
• Community treatment not suitable 
• Professional assessment and agreement 
• Consent for voluntary admission, or legal process for compulsory admission
  
  

What next?

If you or someone you know needs advice, contact the Rethink Mental Illness advice and information service.