Decision-Making and Guardianship

Once an adolescent turns 18, they have the legal authority to make their own decision. Legal-aged adults who lack capacity to make decisions require assistance, which may be on a temporary (e.g., psychiatric emergency) or ongoing basis (e.g., intellectual disability). There are a variety of options discussed, including guardianship and supported decision-making. This chapter discusses the possibilities in detail, provides resources for the healthcare provider and caregiver, and advocates choosing the least restrictive method that best supports individual autonomy and self-actualization.