Police & Fire Treatment

Members in the Police & Fire Plan with a psychological condition which is the result of the performance duties related to their position can initiate the process by calling PERA at 651-296-7460 to request a treatment requirement letter.

Members that submit a disability application for a duty disability or total and permanent duty disability based on a psychological condition without completing the treatment requirement will need to submit a new application after completion of the treatment. PERA will send these members a treatment requirement letter. Terminated members must complete the treatment requirement and submit a disability application within 18 months of termination.

The treatment letter includes the PERA Psychological Condition Treatment Application. The treatment application has a section for the member and the member’s mental health professional to complete. Members must submit a completed treatment application to PERA. Once the application has been reviewed, we will certify “on duty” dates and the completion of a First Report of Injury (FROI) with the member’s employer, then follow up with the member regarding the treatment requirement.

In order to satisfy the treatment requirement, members must receive treatment for their psychological condition for up to 24 weeks. Members are responsible for finding a mental health professional.

The mental health professional must also include monthly treatment assessments. They must assess the member’s progress in treatment monthly, including any change to their ability to return to work with their employer. PERA will request these assessments be submitted when the member sends in the treatment report.

Note: Those who are unable to get into treatment with a mental health professional within 30 days must notify PERA and their employer. Notification must include written documentation from a mental health professional and a proposed treatment start date.

The treatment requirement must be met for a member to apply for a duty disability benefit due to a psychological condition. 

No. PERA members do not need an attorney in order to be approved for the treatment requirement. The process to apply and be approved for treatment is simple and only requires the member and a mental health professional to complete.

Additionally, a member’s current provider or mental health professional can assist them to begin psychological treatment and document progress in treatment monthly. Members may, however, choose to have an attorney represent them.

Members should contact their employer:

• If treatment costs are not paid for by their health insurance. PERA does not cover costs for treatment nor is PERA involved with finding a mental health professional that will provide the treatment.
• For continuation of salary and benefits during treatment.
• For comparable employment opportunities before, during, or after treatment. A comparable position is one that provides salary and employer-provided benefits equal to or greater than the member’s position.

After the 24 weeks of treatment, PERA will send you the PERA Psychological Condition Treatment Report to complete. Your mental health professional must assess and document your progress monthly over the 24 weeks, and include any change to your ability to return to work with your employer. PERA will provide follow up once the treatment report and monthly treatment assessments are reviewed. Your provider must indicate if:

• You need an additional 8 weeks of treatment to help further improve your condition; or
• You are able to return to or continue to work full time in your position or another position with your employer that provides equal or greater salary and benefits; or
• You completed treatment for up to 24 weeks.

Based on the mental health professional recommendation, PERA will either:

• Extend treatment an additional eight weeks;
• Advise the member to contact their employer for available job opportunities in comparable positions; or
• Send a disability packet which includes an estimate, application, and other disability information.

After completion of the treatment requirement, members may apply for duty disability benefits based on a psychological condition, or return to or continue to work with their employer in their position or comparable positions.