Before I was an approved mental health professional (AMHP), I was an approved social worker, and before I was an approved social worker I was a social worker – but I'm getting ahead of myself already.
As with all of the previously named 'approved social workers', I became an approved mental health professional on 3 November 2008 following the passage through Parliament of the amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983. This broadened what had previously been the role of the approved social worker to encompass nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists, as well as social workers who had previously exclusively carried out the role.
The approved mental health professional has a particular role under the provisions of the 1983 act, and the designation gives me specific duties which I carry out alongside my role as a social worker.
As for how I got there, I seem to have almost fallen into the position by default. I was a social worker and I worked in mental health services. I wanted to move forward professionally and I didn't have any desire to move into management. I had the requisite experience and had completed the first stages of my post-qualifying training requirements that allowed me to be eligible for the training. It was only a matter of time until I was asked to complete the comprehensive training involved to take on the role.
While I was initially nervous about undertaking what I felt was a very authoritarian role that I was concerned might run counter to my instincts as a social worker, I agreed to go along with the training, partly because I wanted to use it as a means to building my knowledge base and partly because the thought of going back to university and studying was appealing to me at that time.
The process of training emphasised the role that the AMHP plays in ensuring and enshrining respect and human rights into the process of the compulsory powers under the Mental Health Act including detention, also known as sectioning.
In the end, that's how I see my role. I am able to prevent unnecessary detentions and ensure that the law is respected both in letter and in spirit. I cannot make decisions alone without medical recommendations but I can put a hold on detentions when I feel that all other options and possibilities have not been explored fully. The role of the AMHP is a safety valve to broaden decision-making beyond the medical profession.
Although the assessments and the role itself can be stressful and decisions can be filled with ethical dilemmas, there's no doubt that there is something satisfying in having a particular area of specialisation.
I take great pride in being able to manage a situation when someone is in extreme difficulty with as much thought, compassion and sensitivity as possible. I continue to learn in the role and am constantly learning. Even after years of practice, I'm still learning and I'm still becoming an AMHP.
If you would like to suggest a contribution to the Social Life blog about your life working in social care, please get in touch.
