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.

Learn more about PADs and download the My Mental Health Crisis Plan app at SMIadviser.org/mymhcp.


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The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.

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