SPOA- Select Point of Access for individuals who have serious psychiatric disabilities and need specific mental health services.

The SPOA Team determines eligibility and priority status according to NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) criteria.

Residential Vacancy Report March 25, 2020

SPOA Eligibility:

Pertains to adults, who have a serious persistent mental illness resulting in impairments; who are in need of supportive housing or non-Medicaid care coordination.

Not Eligible:

Disorders due to alcohol/drug use, dementia, organic brain syndromes, developmental disabilities, neurocognitive disorders, general medical conditions or social conditions.

Diagnostic Criteria for Eligibility:

DSM 5 psychiatric diagnosis, i.e. serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) with disability.

Examples:

• Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, severe (not from substance use or medical condition)
• Bipolar I or II Disorder, severe, may be with rapid cycling or psychotic features
• Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective) and Psychotic Disorders (not from substance use)

Eligibility Screening Tool (Please verify eligibility before you complete a SPOA Application.)

Onondaga County Adult SPOA Application with Permission and OMH Release Form

Permission to Use/Disclose Confidential Information

OASAS HIPPA Release Form

OMH Release Form

Services Accessed Through SPOA:

• OMH Congregate Residential and Supported Housing Programs
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
• Non-Medicaid Case Management (NMCM) for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness Who Are   Not Medicaid Eligible.

Values

• To quickly determine applicants' eligibility and OMH priority status.
• To connect OMH priority applicants with the most effective and least restrictive services available.
• To promote a flexible service delivery system providing each person the opportunity to negotiate an individual service plan which is specific to his/her needs and preferences, and includes input and support of service providers and significant others.
• To involve the peer community, families and colleagues in the overall planning and evaluation of services.
• To utilize peer support wherever possible to enhance the individual’s engagement and involvement in services.
• To enhance the ability of applicants to live safely and successfully in the community.
• To serve as a resource to hospitals and other service providers in discharge planning.
• To identify gaps in the service delivery system and to promote development of services to respond to needs.
• To continually improve services through evaluation of service delivery initiatives.