Veterans and Psychiatric Advance Directives
Veterans & Military
Watch this video to learn about what psychiatric advance directives (PADs) can do and how you can create one. PADs are legal documents in which people can set forth their needs and desires before a mental health crisis happens. In a PAD, you can outline your preferences about mental health treatment and appoint a representative to make decisions on your behalf in case of a crisis. It is prepared when you are well and can be used if you cannot make decisions during a mental health crisis.
What is a Psychiatric Advance Directive?
A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that documents a person’s preferences for future mental health treatment and allows the appointment of a health representative to interpret those preferences during a crisis. PADs may be drafted when a person is well enough to consider preferences for future mental health treatment and can be used when a person becomes unable to make decisions during a mental health crisis.
Where can I get legal help to get a PAD?
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid may be able to help you draft a PAD if you live in their service area.
The Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition is comprised of thirteen legal aid organizations who provide a variety of legal services to veterans in Texas. For help, contact the organizations who serve your county. You can also use TexasLawHelp's Legal Help Directory to search for legal help for veterans.
Where can veterans find more videos that discuss legal issues?
Visit theTexas Veterans Videos page.
Where can I review the statute or find a copy of the PAD template?
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