Practical guide · England

Discharged from a mental-health service but still not better: what next?

Discharge can mean a particular service or treatment episode has ended; it does not mean you are expected to have no further needs.

Ask what the plan is

Find out why you are being discharged, what follow-up is expected, which service or professional is responsible next, what to do if symptoms return or worsen, and whether you should receive a written summary or care information.

If you disagree

Explain what you think has been missed and ask how the decision can be reviewed. You can also discuss ongoing needs with your GP and ask about the service’s concerns or complaints process.

If your safety changes

Do not wait for a complaint or routine review if there is an immediate risk. Use the appropriate urgent or emergency mental-health route.

Prepare without trying to be perfect

Write down the things you most want remembered. You can read from your notes, show them to the clinician, or use the free appointment-prep tool to put them in order.

Open appointment prep →

Trusted sources

NHS: mental-health assessments and reviewing care ↗

General information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Exact processes vary by service. Reviewed 8 September 2026.