Working in mental health and deafness

The publication of Towards Equality and Access (Department of Health 2004) made clear the intention of the Department of Health to locate the care and treatment of deaf people with mental health problems within local rather than national services. It is, therefore, more likely that this group will be referred, at least initially, to local services, who may have limited experience of, and indeed inadequate resources for, working with people who are deaf and have mental health problems. This opinion piece outlines guidance for therapists and others working in mental health services with this group, focusing specifically upon deaf people who use British Sign Language as a first language. © The College of Occupational Therapists Ltd.