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.
They describe circumstances that the consumer identifies as crisis points. They offer ways in which a consumer desires crises to be treated. Treatment plans can include advance directives. They can serve as a crisis intervention plan. P roviders should inform consumers of their right to develop and sign an advance psychiatric directive.