Review: The Approved Mental Health Professional Practice Handbook

The Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Practice Handbook, Kevin Stone, Sarah Vicary, Tim Spencer-Lane; Policy Press, 2020

I will begin by saying that I think this is a very good book. I'm in no doubt that it will be an invaluable resource to assist trainee AMHPs in understanding and learning the AMHP role, and will also serve as a useful reference guide for practicing AMHPs to assist with certain aspects of mental health law.

The book is divided into three parts: the AMHP in context, the AMHP in practice, and AMHP theory.

The first part covers the unique practice context of the AMHP, the ethical context, and social perspectives in mental health, including the multi-professional context of the AMHP role, this role being open not just to social workers, but also mental health nurse, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists.

The second part focuses on practice issues. This includes the process of completing an assessment under the Mental Health Act, including the sections of the Act involved in detention in hospital; the associated risks and challenges; the interface between the MHA and the Mental Capacity Act; and the AMHP's involvement in community provisions under the MHA, including CTO's guardianship and s.117 aftercare.

The third part examines upholding rights and anti-oppressive practice; the importance of resilience, in managing to survive in this demanding role; and decision-making, including involvement of family members and other professionals, arrangements for transport to hospital and facilitating reflection on the role.

Each chapter begins with a clear explanation of the aim of the chapter, including explicit notes on relevant law, which AMHP competencies are covered by the chapter, and case studies to aid reflective activities, concluding with key messages of the chapter, a brief review of knowledge, and recommended further reading.

The book combines sound academic principles with reference to competence indicators, skills and practice, providing copious and relevant referencing throughout, as well as reference to other related legislation. There is throughout a good selection of practice examples to aid learning and reflection.

There are a few other handbooks for AMHPs, most notably The Pocketbook Guide to Mental Health Act Assessments by Claire Barcham, which is now into its second edition.. The Pocketbook Guide is more basic than the book in question, and perhaps more explicitly practice oriented, and is aimed more at students than practitioners. This book, by comparison, takes an academic research led approach but directly applies this to practice.

The structure of the book is clear and logical, leading the reader from the basics of Mental Health law and practice through to an analysis of theoretical perspectives of mental health and mental disorder, and into actual practice considerations and the application of theory to practice.

Throughout, there is a logical connect with the core AMHP competences, which will be very helpful for trainee AMHPs to evidence their competencies for their coursework, as well as assisting experienced AMHPs to compiling an AMHP Record of Achievement for statutory reapproval. It will also provide a very valuable resource for AMHP courses.

TheApproved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Practice Handbook, Kevin Stone,Sarah Vicary, Tim Spencer-Lane; Policy Press, 2020