Understanding Serious Mental Illness

Course overview

Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined as a mental, behavioral, and emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities The burden of mental illness is particularly concentrated among those who experience disability due to SMI. SMIs such as schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or major depression impact roughly 5% of the US population and are very costly on a number of levels. This course will prepare behavioral health professionals to meet the complex needs of those experiencing severe mental illness.