Know Your Rights
Adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders may receive community-based behavioral and mental health services and supports through their local Community Mental Health Service Provider, known as the CMH or CMHSP. Intake or access staff at local CMH offices conduct assessments and eligibility screenings to evaluate the level and types of services needed. They may also provide brief crisis services. Medicaid recipients are entitled to obtain services that are medically necessary if they have a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance or intellectual/developmental disability. Priority is given to the most serious forms of disability and to those in urgent situations. At times, people who do not qualify for Medicaid will be placed on a waiting list if there is not enough funding to provide services from a recommended program. However, no one may be denied services because they cannot afford to pay for services.
The CMHSPs are overseen by the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration (BHDDA), which is located within the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
- BHDDA carries out responsibilities specified in the Michigan Mental Health Code (Public Act 258 of 1974 as amended) and the Michigan Public Health Code (Public Act 368 of 1978 as amended). It also administers Medicaid Waivers for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or serious emotional disturbance, and it administers prevention and treatment services for substance use disorders. The administration establishes the policy directions and standards for the statewide system.
There are 46 CMHSPs that are managed by 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) – view this link to a map of community mental health service programs to find yours.
When you receive mental health services, the Michigan Mental Health Code and other laws safeguard your rights. CMHSP staff are responsible for protecting your rights when they provide services to you. Your rights include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to receive treatment suited to condition, the right to participate in decisions regarding your treatment, the right to give informed consent, freedom from abuse or neglect, the right to confidentiality, and more. For more information, click on the link below:
