How can a person with mental illness make their own decisions about treatment?

In Alaska, those with mental illness have the right to make their own decisions about their treatment. While the law requires that those with mental illness receive appropriate and necessary treatment, it also states that the individuals receiving the treatment have a right to be informed about that treatment and make decisions regarding it. This can be done through the legal process of “advance directives.” Advance directives provide individuals with an opportunity to state what kind of treatment they wish to have in case of an emergency or when they are unable to make decisions for themselves. This can include setting out their preference for medications, therapies, or other treatments they wish to receive. It can also include saying which treatments they do not want and who they wish to be consulted on any decisions. Having an advance directive in place ahead of time can help ensure that the patient’s wishes are taken into account when decisions need to be made. Advance directives can be written at any time, and do not require a lawyer or a doctor to fill out. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority provides free advance directive forms for adults and minors, which can be filled out and notarized. Those who do not have access can fill out a free form online. It is important for those with mental illness to be aware of their rights to make decisions about their treatment and to take steps to make sure their wishes are respected. Having an advance directive in place gives individuals the right to decide for themselves what kind of treatment they wish to receive.

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How can a person with mental illness make their own decisions about treatment?

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