Psychiatric Advance Directives

Many people are familiar with medical advance directives. A Psychiatric Advanced Directive (PAD) is similar in that it’s a legal document with an individual’s specific instructions or preferences regarding treatment, in case of a future mental health crisis in which they might not be able to make their own decisions. PADs are a means for increasing self-determination by encouraging and empowering people to make decisions about their lives to the maximum extent possible.

A multi-county collaborative has joined together in a Mental Health Services Act Innovations Project to develop and test the feasibility of PADs in California.