What is a Psychiatric Advanced Directive (PAD)?

A psychiatric advance directive or mental health advanced directive is also called a PAD. It is a document that allows you to state your choices about the types of treatment you want to be used during a mental health crisis.

With serious mental illness (SMI), crises can be difficult to predict. Sometimes there are no warning signs. Crises can occur even when individuals follow treatment plans and work with mental health professionals. Unfortunately, the nature of mental illness is unpredictable. That is why it is important to plan ahead and create a PAD. A PAD allows an individual to make their treatment preferences known. That way, if and when a crisis occurs, the individual has a voice in their care.

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