Community Mental Health Framework

1. Introduction

The Community Mental Health Framework (CMHF) has replaced the Care Programme Approach (CPA) as the framework for delivering effective community mental health services in England.

The framework promotes an approach in which people with mental health problems are active participants in making positive changes, rather than passive recipients of disjointed, inconsistent and episodic care.

The framework is underpinned by the following six aims:

  1. Promote mental and physical health, and prevent ill health;
  2. Treat mental health problems effectively through evidence-based psychological and/ or pharmacological approaches that maximise benefits and minimise the likelihood of inflicting harm, and use a collaborative approach that:
    • Builds on strengths and supports choice; and
    • Is underpinned by a single care plan accessible to all involved in the person’s care.
  3. Improve quality of life, including supporting individuals to contribute to and participate in their communities as fully as possible, connect with meaningful activities, and create or fulfil hopes and aspirations in line with their individual wishes;
  4. Maximise continuity of care and ensure no “cliff-edge” of lost care and support by moving away from a system based on referrals, arbitrary thresholds, unsupported transitions and discharge to little or no support. Instead, move towards a flexible system that proactively responds to ongoing care needs;
  5. Work collaboratively across statutory and non-statutory commissioners and providers within a local health and care system to address health inequalities and social determinants of mental ill health;
  6. Build a model of care based on inclusivity, particularly for people with coexisting needs, with the highest levels of complexity and who experience marginalisation.

2. Further Information

The Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults