A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that patients with mental health disorders create to direct care in the event of the psychiatric crisis. It allows patients with mental health disorders to have autonomy and direct their care during periods of mental health that applies when they are not capable of making their own decisions. It is similar to other advanced directives in that it applies when patients cannot make decisions for themselves. The PAD or mental health advance directive does not stipulate a specific psychiatrist, relate to physical health issues such as resuscitation intubation, or naming an attorney to make nonmedical decisions.