Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Definition from Michigan Mental Health Code
“Serious emotional disturbance” means a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder affecting a minor that exists or has existed during the past year for a period of time sufficient to meet diagnostic criteria specified in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health and that has resulted in functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits the minor’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities. The following disorders are included only if they occur in conjunction with another diagnosable serious emotional disturbance:
(a) A substance abuse disorder.
(b) A developmental disorder.
(c) “V” codes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders.
Identified System Outcomes
1) Access to mental health service is increased for children/youth with serious emotional disturbance who are also being served in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice systems, maximizing Medicaid funding
2) Use of evidence based and promising practices that demonstrate positive outcomes
Identified Child and Family Outcomes
1) Children and youth are socially and emotionally healthy and improve their functioning.
2) Children, youth and their families report having their mental health needs met.