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MI Behavioral Health Crisis Services
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with stakeholders across the state, is in the process of developing a crisis services system for all Michiganders; following the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) model. This system will have three primary components: central crisis line (MiCAL/988), mobile crisis, and crisis stabilization units. We envision a day when everyone across our state has someone to call, someone to respond, and a safe place to go for crisis care.
Previously referred to as the Michigan Psychiatric Care Improvement Project (MPCIP), the following initiatives collectively make up Michigan’s current crisis services system.
Click here for the most current information and status updates on these initiatives.
Someone to call
Crisis and Access Lines
Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to reach out 24/7 to 988.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Line| 988 | Our Network: Lifeline |
Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) 24/7 Crisis Line | MiCAL Website |
Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) is Michigan’s statewide crisis line that answers 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls originating from Michigan. Click here to learn more about Click here to learn more about MiCAL/988.
Michigan Peer Warmline
7 Days a week | 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. | 1-888-PEER-753 | Michigan Peer WarmLine Website
The Michigan Peer Warmline is a statewide warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health and/or substance use conditions. The warmline will connect individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma, or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers.
Warmlines are an alternative to traditional psychiatric crisis hotlines to provide early intervention of peer support to avoid extreme emotional distress that can lead to hospitalization or other severe outcomes. Warmlines alleviate the burden on crisis responders by offering a solution for non-crisis callers.
Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Crisis Line
24/7 Crisis Line| 1-833-347-8766 | FST5 Website
Frontline Strong Together (FST5) is a statewide project committed to optimizing the health and resilience of first responders and their families through training and access to peers, mental health services, and external support.
The public hears relatively little about the suffering of the police, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, and correction officers who risk their lives and are away from their families for days and weeks at a time, to serve their community. FST5 are professionals with expertise in trauma and stress, who work extensively with first responders, law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, and 911 dispatchers.
Community Mental Health Service Provider (CMHSP) Crisis Lines
Each Community Mental Health Service Provider (CMHSP) has its own crisis and access line, which is an important component of ensuring integrated care for some of the most vulnerable Michiganders. 988 and MiCAL do not and will not replace these lines but will partner with CMHSPs to ensure coordination of services. To find a CMHSP near you, click here.
Someone to respond
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
MDHHS’ goal is to ultimately expand mobile crisis across the state for all populations, taking advantage of the enhanced Medicaid match. Multiple areas of MDHHS are working on the expansion of mobile crisis services: Diversion Council, BCCHPS, BPHASA Service Delivery Transformation Section, and Bureau of Specialty Behavioral Health Services.
MDHHS’ Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports (BCCHPS) is working on an initiative to improve mobile intensive crisis stabilization services for children. Michigan’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration sites are implementing mobile crisis programs as well.
PA 162 and PA 163 of 2021 institutes a Diversion Fund and requires MDHHS to create a community crisis response grant program, in accordance with the recommendations of the Governor’s Mental Health Diversion council.
Safe place to go
Crisis Stabilization Units
Michigan Public Act (PA) 402 of 2020 added Chapter 9A (Crisis Stabilization Units) to the Mental Health Code, which requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to develop, implement, and oversee a certification process for CSUs (certification is in lieu of licensure). CSUs are meant to provide a short-term alternative to emergency department and psychiatric inpatient admission for people who can be stabilized through treatment and recovery coaching within 72 hours.
To encourage participation and creation of CSUs, MI Legislature has designated funding in the FY 2023 budget to account for at least 9 CSUs. To develop a model and certification criteria for CSUs in Michigan, MDHHS engaged Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to convene and facilitate an advisory group of stakeholders.
The stakeholder workgroup reviewed models from other states and Michigan to make recommendations around a model that will best fit the behavioral health needs of all Michiganders.
MDHHS is developing draft certification rules for adult CSUs and will solicit feedback in fall of 2022/ winter 2023, commencing the administrative rules process early in calendar year 2023. The certification criteria for youth CSUs will be developed during FY 2024, with an implementation date in FY 2025.
Other Initiatives
MI-SMART (Medical Clearance Protocol)
MI-SMART Psychiatric Medical Clearance is a standardized communication tool between EDs, CMHSPs, and Psychiatric Hospitals to rule out physical conditions when someone in the ED is having a behavioral health emergency and to determine when the person is physically stable enough to transfer if psychiatric hospital care is needed. Michigan Emergency Departments who have implemented Mi-SMART have found that it improves care for people with behavioral health issues who are seeking psychiatric care at Michigan Emergency Departments through reducing unnecessary tests while encouraging a more thorough screening. In partnership with Michigan Health and Hospital Association and the Michigan Public Health Institute, MDHHS convenes a broad cross-sector implementation workgroup which is promoting implementation.
The link above to MI-SMART includes information regarding training tools and participating facilities.
Psychiatric Bed Treatment Registry
Legislated through PA 658 of 2018, PA12 of 2020, PA 166 of 2020, the Psychiatric Bed Treatment Registry is an electronic service registry housing psychiatric beds, crisis residential services, and substance use disorder residential services.
The Psychiatric Bed Registry is housed in Michigan’s behavioral health registry and referral platform - the MiCARE/OpenBeds platform - which is operated and funded by LARA. MiCARE will eventually house all private and public Behavioral Health Services and will have a public facing portal.
The Psychiatric Bed Registry Advisory Group’s purpose is to support a successful rollout and maximization of the OpenBeds platform to meet Michigan’s needs.