This book will provide readers with a comprehensive guide to assessment and care planning skills in mental health and is aimed primarily at those studying to qualify as mental health nurses. The book will involve service users at every stage and therefore will enable readers to develop an understanding of the service user perspective on mental health care. Service user critiques of each section will be included to enable the reader to reflect on the diversity of experiences and their impact.

The authors both teach on pre and post registration mental health nursing programmes and have identified that students often lack the skills and knowledge required to formulate collaborative care plans. Students have also identified a lack of relevant literature in this area. Because the book will be written in partnership with service users it provides an innovative approach to mental health. The emphasis on care planning will equip the reader with essential skills and knowledge to develop collaborative effective care plans.