Lawyer and counselor as an interdisciplinary team serving the terminally ill

Mental health professionals consult with the terminally ill and provide therapy to the client, spouse, and family. Some clients have been forewarned and have a carefully drafted estate plan that incorporates all the nuances of property and personal planning. In addition, the client may have an interest in donating his or her body or its parts as an anatomical gift or may inquire concerning the right to die a natural death. He or she may further be concerned with the appropriateness of a power of attorney or a living trust. Whatever the inquiry, the mental health professional should be ready, willing, and able to offer informed data regarding questions in these areas and then to serve with the attorney as an interdisciplinary team to respond quickly and effectively to these legitimate personal concerns.