Advance Statements of Preferences
An advance statement of preferences (ASP) is a way for you to have a say in your mental health care – even at times when you may find it hard to communicate your wishes.
It lets you write down, while you are well, the treatment, care and support you would prefer if you ever become unwell and need care in the future. It puts your voice at the center of your care and helps the people supporting you understand what matters most to you.
Making an advance statement of preferences is your choice. This page explains what it is, what to include, and how to make one, and points you to trusted Victorian services that can help.
What is an advance statement of preferences?
An advance statement of preferences is a written document that sets out the treatment, care and support you would prefer if you become subject to compulsory assessment or treatment in the future.
It is part of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, which supports your right to be involved in decisions about your own care. An ASP helps make sure your preferences are known and considered, especially at times when you may be less able to express them yourself.
You can make an advance statement of preferences at any time, as long as you understand what it is, what it does, and how to change or cancel it.
Learn more: Advance statements of preferences — health.vic Handbook • What is an advance statement of preferences? — IMHA
What is included in an advance statement of preferences?
You can include whatever is important to you. Common things people include are:
- the treatment and care you prefer
- the treatment you would rather avoid, and why
- medications that have worked well or not so well for you
- things that help you feel calm or safe when you are unwell
- who you would like involved, such as family, carers or a nominated support person
- practical preferences, such as who can care for your children, pets or home
- cultural, spiritual or personal needs.
It is a good idea to include the reasons behind your preferences. This helps your treating team understand your choices and make decisions as close as possible to what you would want.
Learn more: Having control over your treatment — Victoria Legal Aid
Why does an advance statement of preferences matter?
An advance statement of preferences gives you a voice in your care, even during difficult times.
It matters because:
- your preferences must be considered whenever your treatment is being decided
- the mental health service must make all reasonable efforts to give effect to your wishes
- it helps you stay in control and involved in your own recovery
- it helps your treating team, family and carers understand what you want
- it can reduce distress by making sure the right people and supports are involved.
An ASP is a powerful way to make sure your values and choices are respected.
Learn more: Supported decision making — health.vic Handbook
How do I write an advance statement of preferences?
You can make an advance statement of preferences using the official form on the Department of Health website. To be valid, your ASP must:
- be in writing
- be signed and dated by you
- be witnessed by an adult, who watches you sign and confirms you appear to understand what you are doing.
Some simple steps that can help:
- Think about your past experiences – what has helped, and what you would rather avoid.
- Talk it through with people you trust, such as family, a carer, your treating team, or an advocate.
- Write down your preferences and the reasons behind them, using the official form.
- Sign and date it with an adult witness.
- Share copies with your treating team, your nominated support person, and people who may be involved in your care.
You do not have to do this alone – support is available to help you write one (see below).
Get the form: Advance statement of preferences form and guidance — health.vic • Guide to Advance Statement of Preferences — IMHA
What if I want to change my advance statement of preferences?
You can change or cancel your advance statement of preferences at any time, as long as you understand what you are doing.
To change it, you make a new advance statement of preferences – the most recent one replaces any earlier version. To cancel (revoke) it, you complete the steps set out under the Act.
Because your most recent ASP is the one that applies, it is a good idea to:
- review it from time to time, especially after a change in your health or circumstances
- make sure your treating team and support people have the latest version.
Learn more: Advance statements of preferences — health.vic Handbook
Will my advance statement of preferences be respected everywhere?
Your advance statement of preferences must be considered by any Victorian mental health service providing your treatment under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, and the service must make all reasonable efforts to follow it.
There are a small number of situations where your preferred treatment may not be followed. Your psychiatrist can only make a decision against your ASP if:
- your preferred treatment is not clinically appropriate, or
- your preferred treatment cannot be provided by the service, despite all reasonable efforts.
If this happens, you have the right to be told, and to receive written reasons for the decision.
It is also worth knowing that an advance statement of preferences relates to mental health treatment under the Act. It is different from an advance care directive, which covers general medical treatment. You may choose to have both.
Learn more: Advance care planning in Victoria • Mental health and your rights — Victoria Legal Aid
Where can I get help to write one?
You do not have to write your advance statement of preferences on your own. Support is available from:
- your treating team at GV Health
- a lived and living experience (peer) worker
- your nominated support person, family or carers
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), a free and independent advocacy service.
These supporters can help you think through your preferences and complete the form in a way that reflects what matters to you.
Contact IMHA: 1300 947 820 (7 days, 9:30am–4:30pm) • www.imha.vic.gov.au
Resources and useful links
- Advance statements of preferences (forms and guidance) — Department of Health — vic.gov.au
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) — free advocacy and a plain-language guide to ASPs — 1300 947 820 — vic.gov.au
- Victoria Legal Aid — Having control over your treatment — vic.gov.au
- Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) — lived experience advocacy and information — org.au
- Tandem — support and advocacy for families and carers — org.au
- Advance Care Planning Australia (Victoria) — for general medical advance care directives — org.au
What if I need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 now.
For urgent mental health advice or support, call: GV Health Mental Health Triage
1300 369 005
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
You can also contact:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
If you need an interpreter, let staff know and one can be arranged.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Service
Monash Street
Shepparton, 3630
Beta Street
Seymour, 3660
- CONTACT
- REFERRALS
For referrals please contact Mental Health triage 1300 369 005