Legal Eagle: What is a Community Treatment Order (CTO)?

It is used when your clinical team believes you no longer need to be detained but may still need the power to recall you to hospital if necessary.

What conditions apply?

Every CTO includes two mandatory conditions:

You must meet with your Responsible Clinician (RC) when your CTO is being renewed.

You must be available for examination by a Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD) if required.

Your RC may also add other conditions, such as engaging with the Community Mental Health Team or attending appointments for medication. If your RC believes your health or safety, or someone else’s, is at risk, they can recall you to hospital.

What happens if I’m recalled?

You can be kept in hospital for up to 72 hours while your RC assesses you. They will either return you to the community on the CTO or revoke the order and place you back on a section under the Mental Health Act.

How long does a CTO last?

A CTO lasts for six months initially. It can be renewed for another six months, and then every 12 months if it remains necessary. It continues until it is discharged or revoked.

How can I be discharged from a CTO?

Your RC can discharge you at any time, and you can apply to the Mental Health Tribunal once during each renewal period. You can also ask the hospital managers to consider discharging the CTO.

What rights does my nearest relative have?

Your nearest relative can request your discharge by writing to the hospital managers. However, your RC can prevent this by issuing a barring order if they believe you would pose a danger to yourself or others.

Need legal advice?

Ben Hoare Bell LLP’s specialist Mental Health Solicitors can advise on Community Treatment Orders, recalls and Tribunal applications. To speak to a solicitor please contact us on 0191 275 2626 or email [email protected].​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​