Full Breakdown
Michigan's Youth Mental Health Crisis: Out-of-State Treatment Trends
4/12/2026, 10:49:22 AM
Increasing Out-of-State Placements for Youth in Crisis
In Michigan, a troubling trend has emerged where children and teens facing severe mental health crises are increasingly sent to facilities located hundreds or thousands of miles away from home. This shift follows a series of closures of local treatment centers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of September 2024, 152 youths were placed in out-of-state facilities, a significant increase from 122 in 2023 and 74 in 2022, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Families often bear the financial burden of these placements, with some, like the Middlin family, spending upwards of $90,000 for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Background: The Crisis in Michigan's Mental Health System
The deterioration of youth mental health in Michigan predates the pandemic, driven by factors such as the rise of social media and a lack of adequate local resources. The pandemic intensified these issues, leading to increased isolation and a surge in mental health problems among youth. The number of available beds in child caring institutions has plummeted from approximately 1,200 before the pandemic to fewer than 400 today. This reduction has resulted in a "perfect storm" of inadequate care options, as described by Dan Gowdy, president of the Association of Accredited Child and Family Agencies.
Official Statements on the Crisis
MDHHS spokesperson Erin Stover emphasized that placement decisions for youth must prioritize safety and stability. However, the lack of comprehensive data reporting from counties complicates the understanding of the crisis. State Rep. John Roth highlighted concerns about accountability, questioning who is responsible if a child is harmed in an out-of-state facility.
Criticism of the Current System
Parents and mental health advocates criticize the existing system for failing to meet the complex needs of children with mental health issues. Rachel Cuschieri-Murray, cofounder of Advocates for Mental Health of MI Youth, noted that parents are overwhelmed by navigating a fragmented system that lacks clear pathways for care. The financial implications are significant, with the state spending over $13 million on out-of-state placements in the last fiscal year, a rise from $9.7 million the previous year.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps in Data
While state officials assert that the rise in out-of-state placements primarily affects court-supervised youth, there is a lack of transparency regarding the overall number of children in need of care. The absence of mandatory reporting from counties creates gaps in understanding the full scope of the crisis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’re shipping your kid, in some cases, across the country,” — Laura Marshall, Parent
- “It felt shameful … even though we tried everything that we could try,” — Jennifer Middlin, Parent
- “The more connected you are, the more success you’re going to have in navigating the system,” — Rachel Cuschieri-Murray, Parent Advocate
- “I’m alive because of it, and I will never be able to forget it,” — Eleanor Middlin, Former Patient
What's Next for Michigan's Mental Health System?
As Michigan approaches a pivotal election year, some lawmakers express skepticism about the likelihood of substantive changes to the youth treatment system. Advocates hope for the development of more sustainable practices and increased specialized bed capacity. Meanwhile, families continue to seek community support to navigate the complexities of mental health care, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in overcoming the challenges posed by the current system.
