Introduction This essay will critically analyze the Care Program Approach (CPA) assessment and care plan in an OSCE I have undertaken. Using the CPA and current literature sources, I hope to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding in relation to this skill, as well as identify areas with opportunities for learning. Assessment involves gathering information about a person's needs and circumstances and making sense of that information in order to identify needs and decide what support or treatment to offer (DOH, 2002). There are many tools to assess the mental health needs of patients with depression. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck et. al, 1961; 1988), Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al, 1993) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) (1965) among others. These tools tell me how someone feels. This information is important to the CPA. Critical Analysis CPA is a process of managing care for people with mental health and social care needs, including managing associated risks. The main elements of the CPA are: Assessment, Care Coordinator, Care Planning, Review, Transfer and Discharge. The National Standard Framework for Mental Health introduced it to provide a framework for effective mental health care (DOH, 1999; DOH, 2008; Gamble, 2005). Under CPA, John can use an advance declaration to outline his personal preferences and what he would like to happen about his personal and family life in the event that he becomes incapacitated. These are important mechanisms for safeguarding and promoting the patient's interests and health. The CPA is based on values ​​and principles that are fundamental to the personalization introduced in March 2008 with the publication of the document “Refocusing the approach to the assistance program”. This updated guide highlights...... half of the article......th edition, Philadelphia: Lippincott William & Wilkins.Shultz, JM & Videbeck, SL (2009) Lippincott Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Stickley, T. & Freshwater, D. (2006). “The art of listening in the therapeutic relationship” Journal of Mental Health Practice. 9 (5) pp12 - 18. Tamparo, C. D. & Lindh, W. Q. (2008). Therapeutic communications for healthcare. Albany, NY: The Care Program Approach Association, (2006) The CPA Association's National Standards and Audit Tool for Monitoring the Care Program Approach. Chesterfield: CPAAWalsh, A. & Clarke, V. (2009) Foundations of Mental Health Nursing New York: Oxford University Press.Zung, WWK, (1965). A self-rating depression scale. Bow. Gen. Psychiatry. 12:63-70.[Duke Univ. Med. Ctr., Department of Psychiatry, Durham, North Carolina]