What is an advance directive?

If you frequently seek and use mental health services, you may want to establish an advance directive. There are two general types of advance directives: instructional, such as living wills, and proxy, such as durable power of attorney. Each directive is a legal document that lets you describe what services you want to receive if an illness renders you unable to make decisions about your care. Give a copy of the directive to your usual service provider(s) so that it can become part of your medical record. Laws about advance directives vary from State to State. Work with a lawyer, paralegal, or advocate to write your advance directive.