Persons with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)

Photo of powerless person sitting in chair in dark room Individuals with SPMI have mental illnesses that interfere with their ability to function in the community without professional support. According to the Minnesota Comprehensive Mental Health Act (1987), a person must meet the following in order to be considered SPMI.

Difficulty functioning in most of the following areas of life:

Maintaining adequate housing
Maintaining job and income
Maintaining relationships and
Maintaining adequate self care.

Many people who have mental illnesses struggle with symptoms on a daily basis but function well when they receive the support that they need. Support may take the form of assistance with skills of daily living, supportive interactions with peers and professionals, medication, therapy, etc.