Mental Health in Michigan
If you’re a high schooler in Michigan, chances are one of your peers is depressed or has thought about suicide. According to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, over 40% of Michigan teens have experienced depression and 9% of adolescents have tried to take their own lives, sometimes more than once. Over 60% of children have indicated they did not receive mental health services.
Overall, Michigan’s health rankings are higher than average when compared to other states, but there are signs of increasing mental health disorders among the population.
Adults who’ve experienced major depression have slowly increased from 6.8% in 2015 to 8.4% in 2023, and one in five adults have reported having a mental health disorder. For those living in rural areas, the disparity is even greater. The growing trends in mental health issues continue to be a concern for legislators, medical professionals, and the public.
1 in 5
Michigan adults who report having a mental health disorder
Over 40%
Of teens in Michigan have experienced depression
9%
Adolescents in Michigan who have attempted suicide
Free Mental Health Resources in Michigan
NAMI Michigan is an advocacy organization for people of all ages who are affected by serious mental illnesses. Through strengthening local resources with education and providing support meetings and community advocacy, the organization influences public policy at the state level to ensure mental health continues to be in front of legislators. Local chapters offer meetings, educational presentations, and family support for all persons affected by mental illness.
The Buddy to Buddy Veteran Mentorship Program is staffed by veteran volunteers who provide support in finding resources to all service members. Veteran mentors are paired with veterans who need help finding federal, state and local benefit services. They may help with paperwork or in finding housing. The relationship between the veterans may be long term or immediate depending on the needs of the service member.
FCOM is a non profit organization that provides resources for those seeking free health and mental health care. The organization advocates for public policies that support access to services by underserved populations. Free clinics can be searched through the website by county location.
The HUDA clinic provides free primary care, dental, mental health, vision, and specialty care for the underinsured and uninsured of the metro Detroit area. There are no copays or fees. Preventative screenings, health assessments, and management for chronic diseases or referrals to specialists are available. Primary care offers walk-ins, but all other services require appointments.
LGBT Detroit offers free mental health services and referrals for victims of crime in the LGBT+ adult population. In house therapy, faith based support, health care, housing and psycho-social support are available. With an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, community education and social awareness, the center provides support and resources for prevention of violent crimes against the LBGT+ population.
Affirmations Community Center offers education and resources for the LBGTQ+ population in the northern Detroit metro area. The center offers mental health therapy on weekdays, evenings and weekends through telehealth and in person appointments. They accept all major insurance including Medicaid and Medicare and offer a sliding scale for those without insurance. A quick resource guide offers a list of additional social services available for community members.
The University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center is a research facility that networks around the country with other university psychiatry and neuroscience departments to advance treatment methods for depression and other mental health conditions. Through treatment at the center, patients are assisting in the development of new treatments and programs that reach young people before and during the college years.
The outreach and engagement department of MSU provides ta resource list for those seeking mental health and support services. The resources are compiled as a project by the Office of College Access Initiative. They are not an endorsement of the services provided, but a comprehensive list to assist in accessing needed services.
This is a virtual placement service to make mental health services more accessible. There are over 600 case managers in over 70 university and college counseling centers who provide referrals to online mental health services as well as on site providers and facilities.This service is free and provided by Michigan State University - Flint, but the services provided by facilities and providers may require fees and insurance.
The Community Mental Health Authority services Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties as a public Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The clinic provides comprehensive services to all ages regardless of ability to pay. Treatments for substance abuse, serious mental illnesses, crises, and developmental disabilities are available.
The Veteran Navigator project is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to assist veterans in connecting to federal, state and local resources for mental health support, substance abuse treatment, disabilities claims and services and housing needs. Programs include Women Veteran Strong, Walking with Warriors, the Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan, and access to Community Mental Health Service Providers. The program is designed to help veterans who are not connected to the VA Hospital system and are seeking treatment or social support.
The Michigan Crisis and Access line (MiCAL) is the regional 988 helpline for persons who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The warmline is a peer-support phone service that can be reached through 1888 PEER-753. A person can call or text 988 if in crisis or call the warmline for someone to talk to and to obtain referrals for continuing support.
The Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMHCM) crisis hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for those in a mental health crisis. The web site also lists the Community Mental Health Emergency Centers for Central Michigan located in Clare, Gladwin, Midland, McLaren, Mt. Pleasant, Mecosta County, Big Rapids, and Reed City.
The University of Michigan offers a couseling and psycholgoical services program (CAPS) for students. Clinical services include individual and group counseling, teletherapy services, support for survivors of sexual violence, eating and body image services, and in depth clinical screenings. A crisis line is staffed 24/7 for after hours psychiatric emergencies. The web site lists additional resources.
The Ozone House is a safe haven for adolescents who are experiencing homelessness. The organization provides support and housing for adolescents to help them achieve stability and develop health life skills. The nonjudgmental and supportive environment has serviced Ypsilanti for over 50 years through 24/7 crisis services, a drop in center, and long term support for LBGTQ+ teens.