This third edition provides a thorough grounding in the key issues in mental health and, by highlighting the skills and values that are necessary for contemporary practice, helps students to develop their knowledge and understanding to enable them to deliver an appropriate and responsive service for people facing mental health challenges. This edition also reflects the recent and important changes to mental health legislation policies and practice, including the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 2007, which makes significant amendments to the 1983 MHA, including the introduction of the Approved Mental Health Professional.