Advanced Directives

Another way for you to take control of your medical and psychiatric care is to investigate whether an advanced directive is for you. Advanced Directives are a chance for you to direct where and what you want in your psychiatric care if, in the future, you are unable to make or seek a choice. Similar to having a living will or a health care proxy for medical care, psychiatric advanced directives can inform others about what you want if should you become incapacitated.

Not every state recognizes Advanced Directives. To find out the status in a state and to learn more about Advanced Directives, a great resource is the National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advanced Directives

• More information on psychiatric advanced directives.
• More information on medical advanced directives.