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Mental Health Framework

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  • MHPs will cover most mental health services for CHCP enrollees with lower levels of mental health need, and
  • PIHPs will cover all mental health services for CHCP enrollees with higher levels of mental health need.

Announcements

  • Draft Policy for Comment by 11/21: MDHHS has released a draft of the standardized assessment policy for public comment (2545-BH-P.pdf). Stakeholders are encouraged to review and submit comments by November 21, 2025.
  • New Resources: MDHHS is pleased to announce the release of key MHF resources, including MHF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Standardized Assessments Guide.
  • Provider Training: Standardized Assessment training will be free for providers and eligible for CME/CEU credit (details vary between each training):
    • MichiCANS Screener: Please utilize these instructions to register for the MichiCANS training.
      • The MichiCANS Screener training includes two trainings - Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management (TCOM) training and the MichiCANS Overview training, both of which are required, in that order. MDHHS continues to add additional training dates.
    • LOCUS: Please utilize these instructions to register for the LOCUS training. Please review these technical specifications prior to setting up your account, and if you need technical troubleshooting along the way.
      • The LOCUS training is an online, self-paced training.
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Fiscal Year 2026 Changes

Strengthen Care Coordination

MHPs, PIHPs and Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs) will be required to use a standardized process for making referrals for mental health care across MHP and PIHP delivery systems, with implementation phased in during the course of Fiscal Year 2026. 

If you are a mental health provider contracted with an MHP and are not a CMHSP provider, you are not expected to participate in standardized referrals process beginning October 1, 2025.

Standardize Assessments

All qualified mental health providers participating in Michigan’s Medicaid program and contracted with an MHP and/or PIHP will begin using the following State-designated tools to assess level of mental health care needed: the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) Screener for children and youth (under 21) and the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) for adults (21 and older).

For qualified mental health providers who have not already been trained on how to conduct the MichiCANS Screener or LOCUS:

  • MichiCANS Screener: Please utilize these instructions to register for the MichiCANS training.
  • LOCUS: MDHHS will provide a link to the online, self-paced LOCUS training upon launch. If you are a provider in need of LOCUS training, please fill out this form.

Please see the Standardized Assessment Guide for more information.

MDHHS understands that not all providers will be fully trained by October 1, 2025, and anticipates that it will take time – over the course of the next fiscal year – for all eligible providers to be fully trained. Training status over the next year will not impact a provider's ability to provide and be reimbursed for other mental health services rendered.

Fiscal Year 2027 Changes

More information forthcoming.