“This time, with a PAD, I did not receive any treatments that I did not want. They were very respectful. I really felt like the hospital took better care of me because I had my PAD. In fact, I think it’s the best care that I’ve ever received.” Read More PAD Stories...

About PADs

  • A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that documents a person’s preferences for future mental health treatment, and allows appointment of a health proxy to interpret those preferences during a crisis.
  • PADs may be drafted when a person is well enough to consider preferences for future mental health treatment.
  • PADs are used when a person becomes unable to make decisions during a mental health crisis.

Family Members and Friends

STEP 1 – Find out the basics about psychiatric advance directives.

STEP 2 – Look for answers to frequently asked questions about psychiatric advance directives.

STEP 3 – Find out what kind of information you can put into your psychiatric advance directive.

STEP 4 – Learn what your family member’s or friend’s state says about psychiatric advance directives and download forms.

STEP 5 – Email us any questions you or your family member or friend may have.

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