The following is an excerpt from “https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mental-health-bill-receives-royal-assent-revolutionising-care”

“For years, patients have been let down by a mental health system that needs urgent reform. Those detained under the Mental Health Act have had too little say over their care and treatment and who should be involved in it. 

Black people are 3.5 times more likely to be detained than their white counterparts. Autistic people and those with learning disabilities who don’t have a mental health condition have been often inappropriately detained.

Steve Gilbert OBE, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder after being sectioned in 2010, is a national expert in Living Experience Leadership who has spent over a decade improving mental health services with a focus on racial equity. As Vice Chair for the Mental Health Act Review, he supported the chair in making recommendations to the Government. 

Steve Gilbert OBE, Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Act Review said: “The Mental Health Act has profoundly impacted my life and that of my family.  While detention was deemed necessary, it stripped us of dignity and caused long-term trauma, a reality shared by many.” “

(End of exerpt)

This is the experience that I hear from many of my clients and those who have experienced sectioning and treatment for mental health disorders. It can create a fear of reaching out for support or help, exacerbates paranoia and mistrust of medical professionals. There is a common theme of feeling misunderstood, disregarded and dehumanised – even criminalised – for psychosis and mental health struggles. Whilst such treatment can be life saving, it can also be a traumatic experience and leave lasting impact.

Further in the article, this: Through the 10 Year Health Plan, we are recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers – with over 7,000 recruited in a year – delivering more talking therapies, rolling out more mental health support teams in schools and colleges, and providing better access to help through the NHS App. 

I believe talking therapies have a strong place in recovery during and after crisis treatments such as sectioning and medication are provided. A mental health crisis can be an opportunity for a breakthrough after a period of extreme stress and to have a compassionate and understanding therapist to talk to can be helpful in processing change and recovery.

I am a qualified talk therapist and have a special interest in those affected by psychosis, either individually or by a family member’s experience. I offer online counselling (talk therapy) across England and aim to provide affordable rates as needed. Please feel free to enquire: redirect to Contact Page

A professional and lived experience view of recent changes to UK mental health law by Claire Messenger, Talk Therapy with Claire

Mental health bill information as shown Gov.uk web page today, 18 December 2025