Mental health services for people with a learning disability

Abstract

Many parts of the world are developing specialist mental health services for people with a learning disability. Government policy in England appears to favour a move in the opposite direction. The general aims of mental health services for people with a learning disability are indeed similar to those of the rest of the population, but distinctive clinical skills are required to assess, treat and support effectively people with a learning disability who have mental health and/or behavioural problems. There is therefore a need for specialist services to meet the needs of this population, which should include acute admission facilities, outreach services in the community and long‐term support.