Who’s who?

Advocate / Advocacy

A person or a service which assists people to say what they want. People can advocate for themselves or have an independent person advocate on their behalf. POhWER is the local advocacy service for our areas.

Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP)

Trained in the legal aspects of mental health assessment and treatment and approved by the local authority social services department to organise and carry out assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Keyworker

A named individual designated as the main point of contact and support for a person who has a need for ongoing care. The Keyworker can be of any profession: nurse, doctor, social worker, psychologist. For patients in community services only and where appropriate the keyworker could be a peer support worker or support worker if they are providing most care and support.

Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) / Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN)

A registered nurse with specialist training who works in the community. Most CPNs work as part of a Community Mental Health Team.

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)

A team made up of a range of health and social care workers combining their skills who are involved in the service user’s care.

Consultant Psychiatrist

A qualified medical doctor who has taken further training and specialises in mental illness. The consultant psychiatrist is the most senior member of the care team with overall responsibility for patient assessment and care.

Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are involved with assessment and treatment of mental health conditions. Counselling psychologists can offer talking treatments to help individuals manage mental and emotional problems.

Psychotherapist

A trained professional who assists people with various mental health conditions, including depression, addiction, anxiety and bipolar disorder and other debilitating feelings.

They are specifically trained to listen carefully and analyse the psychological needs of their patients and help them accordingly.

Support Worker

Part of the care team and helps people meet their recovery goals.

Social Worker

A professional who can help with practical matters, such as day care, accommodation, welfare, and benefits. Most social workers will work as part of the mental health team. They work closely with other organisations that can also provide help.