Community mental health leaders address psychiatric bed shortages and care challenges in Michigan

The Michigan Legislature's Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security convened on June 3, 2025, to address pressing issues in the state's mental health care system, with a focus on the challenges surrounding inpatient psychiatric services. Key discussions highlighted the critical shortage of psychiatric beds in Michigan, where the current availability stands at just five beds per 100,000 people, far below the recommended 40 to 50 beds.

Dr. Melos emphasized the importance of community-based care, reflecting on the state's shift from a centralized hospital system to a more decentralized approach over the past few decades. He raised concerns that the goal of deinstitutionalization may have been overshot, leaving many individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities without adequate support. "People should be in their homes with their families in their communities," he stated, advocating for policy opportunities to enhance care.

Rick Compton, CEO of Riverwood Center, shared insights into the operational challenges faced by community mental health centers (CMHs). He noted that while significant advances in treatment have been made, the stigma surrounding mental health persists, complicating care delivery. Compton pointed out that many hospitals are reluctant to admit the most severe cases, leading to a bottleneck in the system. "Inpatient psychiatric hospitals are not like hotels," he remarked, stressing that admissions depend on various factors, including available staff and the severity of cases.

The meeting also touched on the need for improved Medicaid funding and the establishment of a more robust crisis stabilization system. Compton proposed resurrecting the Michigan Psychiatric Care Improvement Project to better track bed availability and enhance crisis response services. He highlighted the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to improve the overall delivery of mental health care.

As the committee concluded, the urgency of addressing these systemic issues was clear. With the anticipated rebid of the managed care system in 2026, there are concerns about potential disruptions that could exacerbate wait times and hinder service coordination. The discussions underscored a collective call for action to ensure that Michigan's mental health care system can effectively meet the needs of its residents.