California Psychiatric Advance Directive (CPAD)
Legal document recording your treatment preferences in advance of a future psychiatric crisis
What it does
A CPAD lets an adult document, in advance, what psychiatric treatments they consent to (or refuse), name a healthcare agent to make decisions, and record preferred medications, hospitals, and de-escalation strategies for future crises. Honored under California Probate Code §§4670 et seq. (the Health Care Decisions Law).
Eligibility
Any California adult with capacity at the time of signing. Witnessing/notary requirements per Probate Code §4673. A CPAD remains in effect until revoked in writing.
Issued by
Not centrally issued — drafted by the person (often with a peer specialist or attorney). Disability Rights California publishes the canonical template.
Processing time
Drafting + witnessing typically completed in 1-2 sessions. No state filing required; the document lives with the person, their healthcare agent, and ideally their behavioral-health provider.
Audience
Adults with a history of psychiatric crisis who want their treatment preferences honored when they can't speak for themselves
Official form / portal
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/california-psychiatric-advance-directiveLocal contact (Solano County)
Solano County HHS Behavioral Health — peer support / Patients' Rights Advocate
(707) 784-8320
A Patients' Rights Advocate or peer support specialist can help draft. Bring the completed CPAD to your psychiatrist and any hospital you've previously been treated at, plus your designated healthcare agent.
Find on the resource map (2 places) →Sources
- 1.Disability Rights California — Psychiatric Advance Directiveaccessed 2026-05-27
- 2.California Probate Code §§4670 et seq.accessed 2026-05-27
Research compiled by Guardians of Solano. Verify current eligibility and program details with the issuing agency before filing — programs change.