ABSTRACT
Approved mental health professional The new role of the approved mental health professional (replacing approved social workers under the Mental Health Act 1983) has been opened up, by the Mental Health Act 2007, to include nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists. In addition to helping with potential recruitment problems, this change can allow for better continuity of care for patients. Local social services authorities are responsible for the approval of approved mental health professionals, and for ensuring that sufficient numbers of approved mental health professionals are available in their respective geographic areas.
