What happens after a mental-health assessment?

You should be told what happens next

NHS England says mental-health services should communicate clearly, involve you in your care and explain support options. After assessment, the next step may be a care or support plan, treatment, further assessment, referral elsewhere, advice for your GP, or discharge if the service is not the right route.

Questions worth asking before you leave

• What happens next, and who is responsible for contacting me?
• Am I now waiting for treatment, another assessment or another service?
• Is there an approximate timescale?
• Who should I contact if I have not heard anything?
• What should I do if my mental health gets worse?
• Can I have a copy or summary of the care plan or assessment outcome?

If you are placed on another waiting list

Ask whether the new wait starts from the original referral or from the assessment, and whether there is anything useful you can access in the meantime. Waiting-time rules differ depending on the service; not all mental-health pathways use the same national standard.

If the outcome does not make sense to you

Ask the service to explain the decision and alternatives in plain language. You can also discuss it with your GP. If you believe there has been a service problem rather than simply disagreeing with a clinical opinion, you can use the provider's feedback or complaints process.

Common questions

Does a mental-health assessment mean treatment starts straight away?

Not necessarily. An assessment can lead to treatment, another referral, further assessment, a care plan or another recommendation, and there may be a further wait.

Should I get a care plan after a mental-health assessment?

This depends on the service and your needs. NHS England says care should be planned with you where a care and support plan is developed, and you can ask what written information or summary you will receive.