Psychiatric Advanced Directives / Mental Health Advanced Directives

Psychiatric Advanced Directives are an extension of advance medical directives that address symptoms of a mental illness. Psychiatric Advanced Directives (PAD) are legal documents and a tool for the expression of an individual's free will and self-determination in coping with mental health and substance use conditions.

PAD booklets that help people develop their own directives are available in English and Spanish. Sometimes people want a PAD to include a person with Power of Attorney, also called a mental health agent. At times of illness, providers of mental health services and supports can be helpful in making sure the directives are followed.

The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association (PMHCA) provides trainings on psychiatric advanced directives when requested.

PMHCA presents these trainings to consumer run organizations, professional organizations, educational institutions and other interested audiences. Training is also provided to people who will become Psychiatric Advanced Directives trainers.

For more information contact: Wendy Wood, Director of Advocacy, 717-564-4930 x 118.