T he commitment process is almost as difficult for providers as it for people with a mental illness or family members of such persons.
Difficulties are far less personal for providers.
They include the effort needed to initiate and process a commitment and the potential of damaging a therapeutic relationship. When a consumer of mental health services has an advance directive, commitment procedures may not be necessary. The implementation of an advance directive may make it unnecessary to initiate commitment procedures, since treatment is provided during a crisis. The treatment is determined and planned by the consumer. Advance directives are an extension of a consumer's informed choice of treatment.