By Stephanie L. Goldstein, Esq.

There are several advance directives that an estate planning attorney will recommend for clients, including a Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Living Will. For individuals that receive treatment for their mental health, an additional advance directive may be appropriate.

A Psychiatric Advance Directive, also known as a mental health advance directive, is a legal document that allows an individual to state their preferences for treatment in advance of a mental health crisis. In such a time of crisis, when an individual is unable make their wishes known regarding their psychiatric medical care, the Psychiatric Advance Directive would come into play.