What is the definition of Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)?

Minnesota Statute 245.462, Subd.20(c) defines SPMI not solely on a diagnostic determination. Rather it includes functional limitations, severity of symptoms and use of certain more restrictive services.

In brief terms, AMH-TCM services are targeted for people who have at least one of the following:

  • Reoccurring significant symptoms of their mental illness, and insufficient strengths and resources that result in psychiatric hospitalizations, residential treatment and/or interventions due to psychiatric crises.
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, or borderline personality disorder; and significant impairment of functioning due to the mental illness that could result in inpatient or residential treatment.
  • Been committed (or commitment stayed or continued) in the last three years by a court as a person who is mentally ill under Chapter 253B. Civil Commitment.
  • Initial eligibility under the above reasons and in the opinion of a mental health professional, and continues to need MH-TCM services to reduce hospitalization and/or residential treatment.
  • A child just reaching adulthood who is currently receiving children’s MH-TCM; and in the opinion of a mental health professional, continues to need MH-TCM services to reduce hospitalization and/or residential treatment.
  • The adult has had two or more usages of Crisis Response Services

Note: An adult who has a mental illness must meet at least one of the six criteria as above, NOT all six criteria.