Similar to a Medical Advance Directive or a Healthcare Power of Attorney, a Psychiatric Advance Directive is a legal document.  Written in a time of wellness, it tells healthcare providers about your preferences for services and treatment during a mental health crisis. It can also include helpful information about how you've responded to medications in the past.  A well-written directive takes the guesswork out of a situation when you may not be able to communicate your medical treatment preferences. A directive can also appoint someone to make treatment decisions on your behalf.

Visit the National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives to learn more about directives, get step-by-step instructions and follow links to other helpful resources.