The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Mental Health Framework
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is shifting to a more person-centered approach to serving Michiganders with mental health needs. As part of MIHealthyLife, an initiative that began in 2022 to strengthen the Comprehensive Health Care Program (CHCP), MDHHS is partnering with Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs), Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), and providers to improve accountability for and coordination of mental health care across the Medicaid program.
Under the Mental Health Framework (MHF), an enrollee’s level of mental health need, as determined through a State-identified standardized assessment tool, will more clearly determine which plan—the enrollee’s MHP or PIHP—is responsible for their mental health coverage and care. MHPs will also begin covering some additional mental health services for enrollees with lower levels of mental health need, so MHPs are accountable for more of these enrollees’ continuum of care. Beginning in October 2026:
- 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.
- MichiCANS Screener: Please utilize these instructions to register for the MichiCANS training.
Webinars and Meetings
- Mental Health Framework 101
- Recording: https://somdhhs.adobeconnect.com/pjm8km93ykdy/
- Presentation: MHF 101
- MichiCANS Screener and LOCUS All Provider Draft Rate Meeting
- Recording: https://somdhhs.adobeconnect.com/pfxrnsu70vyr/
- Presentation: Mental Health Framework SFY 2026 All Provider 8/6/25
Key MHF Documents
- MHF Frequently Asked Questions (last updated: September 2025)
- Standardized Assessment Guide (last updated: September 2025)
- DRAFT Standardized Assessment Policy Bulletin
- Comparison Rates for the Standardized Assessments
Contact
- To stay in touch, please join our listserv here.
Instructions: Click to subscribe to MDHHS' newly created listserv Mental Health Framework listserv to stay up-to-date on announcements and available resources. For general listserv information, please click on Listserv Instructions. - Please email MDHHS-MentalHlthFramework@michigan.gov with any questions.
MHF Implementation TimelineKey
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.