Peer Perspectives on Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)

Oftentimes, when facing a mental health crisis, individuals may not be able to communicate their preferences for care. Resolving the who, what, when, and how of decisions during a mental health crisis can cause anxiety. For supporters to be effective, they need to have the right resources. This is when having a crisis plan – which may include a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) – becomes crucial. A written mental health crisis plan can alleviate anxiety and eliminate the guesswork for everyone involved. In this webinar, you will hear firsthand experiences from peer specialists who used a Psychiatric Advance Directive to support their journey in recovery. You will learn about the key components of a crisis plan and how psychiatric advance directives (PADs) can empower individuals and caregivers, giving them control during times of crisis. Learning Objectives: - Recognize the benefits of creating a mental health crisis plan - Explain what a Psychiatric Advance Directive is and what one may include - Determine the role of family members in supporting a loved one through crisis planning - Describe how a peer support specialist can support someone to create a PAD