Great Lakes Wire

LANSING, Mich. – As part of an effort to increase access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with 10 agencies across the state to create Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs). A $32 million investment to establish CSUs was included in the FY2023 budget.

Adult CSUs provide immediate crisis support to anyone in a behavioral health crisis with services ranging from a couple of hours to up to 72 hours. Programs will be focused on stabilizing individuals 18 and older with CSU staff providing support until the individual is actively engaged in their next level of care. These units will also be equipped to manage and treat minor medical conditions so that individuals in a behavioral health crisis aren’t sent to the emergency room for basic medical care.

Two agencies began providing CSU services to their communities earlier this year. Network180’s Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Grand Rapids began operations in May, while Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Crisis Care Center (DWIHN) opened its doors in June. Network180 is collaborating with Trinity Health Grand Rapids to ensure the needs of the community are met at its CSU. As of Saturday, Aug. 31, Network180 has provided 581 interventions for individuals in crisis and admitted 268 adults to its crisis center, while DWIHN has provided 486 interventions and admitted 368 adults to its crisis unit.

“These units provide increased access to immediate crisis services to anyone struggling with mental health or substance use, which will reduce emergency room boarding, improve jail diversion and allow for better utilization of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “While these programs are not intended to replace ongoing treatment, they will offer fast and easy access to individuals when they need it most.”

September is Suicide Prevention Month and according to a KFF report, 665,980 Michiganders report having unmet mental health needs. Additionally, one in five adults in the state have a mental health condition and one in 18 adults are diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

Several agencies including Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services; Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties; Common Ground; Genesee Health System; Hegira Health; Macomb County Community Mental Health; Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services (in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo); Team Wellness Center are developing multiple CSUs across various counties.

Adult CSUs are being developed throughout nine counties including Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne which are home to 5.7 million individuals. Once all sites are operational they will provide in-county access for behavioral health crises for 57% of Michigan’s population.

Individuals experiencing a crisis are urged to call or text "988" or visit Lifeline Chat online where trained counselors can provide assistance through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The support offered through "988" aims at de-escalating crises and reducing distress levels by connecting callers with life-saving resources along with follow-up calls ensuring well-being.