What are Community Mental Health Services Programs?

by Walt Stillner, Community and Institutional Rights Team

Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs) are established by Michigan’s Mental Health Code. These single or multi-county programs provide a full array of community-based treatment and support services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders. They are locally run and the primary point of entry for all public mental health services in the state.

There are 46 CMHSPs that cover all 83 counties in the state. Even though each community influences the manner in which services are delivered, all CMHSPs have to follow standards established by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), the Mental Health Code, and federal Medicaid law.

Services and supports provided by CMHSPs are determined through a person-centered planning process. This process is very individualized and is used to develop an appropriate plan of services, which will help a recipient achieve, maintain, and maximize potential. CMHSPs prioritize services based on the severity of the disability and the urgency of the situation.

For more detailed information on specific CMHSPs and the mental health and developmental disability services they provide, please visit the following websites: Michigan Department of Community Health at www.michigan.gov/mdch; and Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards at www.macmhb.org. You can also get information from the customer services of your local CMH, the MDCH Mental Health and Substance Abuse customer services line at 517.241.5066, and the Medicaid customer services hotline at 800.642.3195.