Maryland Department of Health
Behavioral Health Administration

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Mental Health Advance Directives

A mental health advance directive (sometimes called a psychiatric advance directive) is a legal document you can prepare now to express specific needs and preferences for your mental health treatment in the event you are unable to make or communicate such decisions in the future. This allows you to appoint someone to assist with various health care matters, including a mental health crisis, and provides your specific directions regarding mental health treatment.


Benefits

  • Protects you from unwanted treatment
  • Provides clear instructions about medication and treatment to guide decision making
  • Improves communication between medical, support, and treatment networks, which may prevent involuntary treatment or admission to a hospital
  • Enhances your recovery


Mental Health Advance Directives include:

  • Your preferred hospitals and service providers
  • People you have authorized to make health decisions and with whom information may be shared or not shared
  • Any allergies, adverse reactions, and other health issues
  • Desired visitors
  • Specific preferences regarding treatment

Learn more about Advanced Directives and the Maryland Advance Directive Program.