How to Apply for SMI in Arizona

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Steps to Take When Applying for Serious Mental Illness in AZ

A serious mental illness is a mental health condition that substantially impairs functioning. At Catalina Behavioral Health we feel that it is critical to get the resources you need if you’re affected by anything that could be considered a serious mental illness.

Applying for serious mental illness (SMI) can help people get effective treatment. It can also alleviate the financial barriers and financial stress that people and families affected by serious mental illness might face. In short, it can be a life-changing form of support for those struggling.

But understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is essential. As a leader in Arizona mental health and substance abuse treatment, Catalina Behavioral is well-versed in SMI requirements.

This page will guide you through how to apply for SMI in Arizona. We will also talk about the benefits of treatment and how to get in touch with our team for proven support options.

*Please note that we do not directly assist with the application for an SMI designation in Arizona unless indicated for a current client at our facilities.

How Can You Apply for SMI in Arizona?

First, you must be 18 or older to receive a SMI designation. The initial steps you may want to take if you’re applying for yourself or are helping a loved one apply may include:

Learning About the Requirements

To qualify for SMI, you must meet specific criteria. Core requirements include having a current or recent (within the past year) diagnosable mental health condition that causes substantial functional impairment in your daily life.

Submitting an Application

You will be required to submit documentation of your mental illness and how it affects your daily life. It is possible that you’ll need to meet with a healthcare provider to complete an assessment. You should receive an approval or denial within seven days.

What is the SMI Determination Process in Arizona?

SMI designation is not a diagnosis. The goal of the SMI designation is to help a person get mental health services that will improve their quality of life and ability to live independently.

The SMI designation process requires determining whether someone has a severe mental disorder that meets all the following criteria:

• The inability to live independently or without support.
• A risk of serious harm to self or others.
• A dysfunction in role performance.
• A risk of deterioration (getting worse) if adequate supports and services aren’t provided.

Criteria must be met for one year (12 months) or for at least six months, with an expected continued duration of at least six months.

Getting Past an SMI Denial in Arizona

Sometimes, SMI applications will be denied. If this happens, you have the option to appeal a denial.

After the appeal is received and accepted, an informal conference will be scheduled in an attempt to resolve the issue.

What are the Benefits of Receiving Treatment With an SMI?

When you’re able to get treatment that truly meets your needs, the result can be life-changing. Benefits of receiving treatment offered via SMI determination may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Stability and productivity (e.g., gainful employment and symptom reduction).
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Prevention of negative outcomes from untreated mental health conditions.
• Reduced isolation and stronger support networks.

Long-term management of serious mental illness is possible. Defined by learning to minimize symptoms, up to 65% of people with serious mental illnesses fully or partially recover.

Who Can Request an Evaluation for SMI Designation in Arizona?

People can request an evaluation for the SMI designation for themselves. In some instances, however, another person or provider will be the one to make the request.

For example, legal guardians, case managers, social workers, healthcare plans (including AHCCCS and TRBHA), the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry, and hospital discharge planners can request SMI designation.

Catalina Behavioral Health can help existing clients complete the paperwork needed for resources like SMI.

Choose Catalina for Effective Mental Health Treatment in Arizona

Catalina Behavioral Health is a Joint Commission-accredited treatment center in Arizona. Our facility provides a full continuum of care, including inpatient programs and outpatient treatment options for addiction and mental health.

We work with a broad range of mental health concerns. The specialists at our center are dedicated to making sure that people and families in our community have access to the care they need. We accept most insurances.

Please contact us today to inquire about our services for yourself or someone else in your life. All calls are confidential, so please reach out for support today.

FAQs About How to Apply for SMI in Arizona

How much does SMI pay in Arizona?

Arizona’s Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) designation provides benefits beyond standard mental health services. For example, a dedicated case manager, assertive community treatment, and housing when available.

While the SMI designation itself doesn’t guarantee direct financial payments, people with a serious illness (including mental health conditions) often qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.

What is a persistent or acute mental disorder in Arizona?

A persistent or acute disability is a severe mental disorder that meets the following criteria:

• Significantly impairs judgment, reason, behaviors, or the capacity to recognize reality.
• Has a substantial probability of causing you to suffer or continue suffering severe abnormal mental, emotional, or physical harm without treatment.
• Substantially impairs your ability to make an informed decision regarding treatment.
• Has a reasonable prospect of being treated via outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, or combined inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Various mental health conditions can fall into this category. It is not necessarily the specific diagnosis or type of mental illness, but the level of functional impairment, that qualifies someone for SMI.

Where do people with severe mental illness go?

Hospitalization may be required for people with severe mental health conditions in some cases. For example, if a person is at risk of causing serious physical harm to themselves or someone else. Some people with SMI benefit from housing services and outpatient programs.

Can you get disability for mental illness in Arizona?

Yes. It’s possible to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a mental illness in Arizona. This does not mean that every person with a mental health condition is eligible for benefits. You must meet certain criteria.

What is the mental illness law in Arizona?

Usually, the mental illness law in Arizona refers to Title 36. Title 36 establishes procedures for involuntary evaluations and treatment.

References

1. Evans, T. S. (n.d.). Background. Disparities Within Serious Mental Illness [Internet].
2. Azahcccs. (n.d.-c).
3. The serious mental illness (SMI) determination process. (n.d.-af).
4. Appeal process for individuals determined to have a … (n.d.-c).
5. Nami. (2024, November 12). Serious Mental Illness Recovery: The Basics. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
6. Arizona SMI benefits – AZ mental health resources. (n.d.-d).
7. 36-501 – definitions. (n.d.).
8. Disability. Social Security. (n.d.).