If you have a mental illness, your entitlement to care and treatment is the same as if you are suffering from other illness. You have the same entitlement to general health services and to community care services.

The Mental Health Commission has, among other things, overall responsibility for the standards of mental health services. The Inspector of Mental Health Services carries out inspections of mental health facilities.

The overall aim of Mental Health Services policy is to provide care in the community as far as is possible. There are specific mental health professionals who specialise in the provision of mental health services. Various services may also be available from the voluntary mental health organisations which operate in Ireland.

In-patient services for people with mental illness are provided in approved psychiatric centres. These are mainly psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units in general hospitals.

The rules about admission to approved centres are set out in the Mental Health Act 2001 which has been fully implemented since 1 November 2006. This Act also sets of the rights of psychiatric patients.

The rules which apply if a person who is mentally ill is charged with a criminal offence are outlined in criminal insanity and mental health.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has a useful information booklet The Journey Together (pdf) for families and friends who support people experiencing mental health problems.