What is a mental health advance directive?

A mental health advance directive is a legal document that allows people to have a say in their mental health care if they are unable to make decisions themselves. In the state of Washington, individuals are able to create a mental health advance directive to ensure that their wishes for mental health treatment are followed if they become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves. This document allows individuals to state their preferences for treatment, such as their preferred medication or type of therapy, and it also allows them to name someone to make decisions on their behalf. A mental health advance directive is not the same as a power of attorney or a medical power of attorney. It is specific to mental health and more narrowly focused than other forms of end-of-life planning documents. Mental health advance directives are important for those with mental illnesses or mental health concerns as it allows them to ensure that their wishes for treatment are followed even if they can’t make decisions for themselves. It is important to note that mental health advance directives are not legally binding documents. Instead, they are intended to provide guidance to medical providers and to the individuals’ chosen decision-maker. They can be updated at any time, and they should be kept in a safe and accessible place. Mental health advance directives can offer peace of mind and help to ensure that individuals’ wishes are respected, even if they can’t make decisions on their own.

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What is a mental health advance directive?

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