Informing Behavioral Health Policy Across Michigan
Overview
Access to behavioral health services remains a significant challenge across Michigan. State leaders needed reliable data to understand where gaps existed, who was most affected, and which strategies could improve access to care.
Challenge: Understanding Unmet Need
Policymakers, providers, and payers lacked a comprehensive picture of behavioral health needs across the state, making it difficult to identify unmet need and provider shortages, including behavioral health provider deserts. According to SAMHSA's 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 31% of mental illnesses and up to 72% of substance use disorders in Michigan went untreated.
Solution: A Statewide Assessment Over Time
Supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Altarum conducted a series of statewide behavioral health access studies that tracked changes in access over time. The studies combined claims data, survey results, provider information, literature reviews, and participant input to evaluate access to mental health and substance use disorder services across populations, insurance types, and geographic regions.
Outcome: Data to Inform Policy and Investment
The studies provided policymakers, providers, payers, and state leaders with one of the most comprehensive assessments of behavioral health access in Michigan. Findings informed policy discussions, funding decisions, and system improvement efforts, while reports, research briefs, maps, policy resources, and public presentations translated complex data into practical guidance for decision-makers.