dual diagnosis

A missed opportunity?: community sentences and the mental health treatment requirement

The Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) is one of 12 options (‘requirements’) available to sentencers when constructing a Community Order or a Suspended Sentence Order. The MHTR can be given to an offender with mental health problems who does not require immediate compulsory hospital admission under the Mental Health Act. If they give their consent, the MHTR requires them to receive mental health treatment for a specified period.

Understanding dual diagnosis

Mind is a leading mental health charity in England and Wales and has produced information on many areas of mental health. 'Dual diagnosis' is used in the health services to describe people with mental health problems, who also misuse drugs or alcohol. This booklet is for anyone who wants to know more about this.