Critical psychiatry is a broad critique of mainstream psychiatry that has emerged in recent years which challenges some of psychiatry’s most deeply held assumptions. It mounts a scientific challenge to claims about the nature and causes of mental disorder and the effects of psychiatric interventions, and draws on philosophy, history, anthropology, social science and mental health service users’ experiences. There is no definitive ‘critical psychiatry position.’ It is a collection of critical perspectives intended to produce a more reflective, sceptical and patient-centred approach to the theory and practice of psychiatry.

The Critical Psychiatry Network was founded by a group of UK psychiatrists who got together in 1999 to discuss changes to the Mental Health Act proposed at that time in the UK. Currently the group consists of over 400 psychiatrists, two thirds of whom are based in the UK, the rest spread around the world.

Members of the Network exchange ideas and information and have regular meetings and peer support sessions. The Network has held annual conferences since 2013. There is currently an active trainee forum and informal mentorship scheme in the UK and an open reading and discussion group in Toronto, Canada.

Co-chairs: Joanna Moncrieff and Tom Stockmann

Secretary: Margreet Peutz

Disclaimer
The Critical Psychiatry Network is not able to respond to clinical queries or requests for referrals and it cannot give out names or contact details of its members. Some members offer independent consultations – please see here.