Mental Health Navigation | 211 Northeast Michigan
In a 2024 Mental Health Survey conducted by SVSU, 60% of respondents reported needing mental health services. The top barriers to access included difficulty finding a provider (57%) and issues related to cost and insurance (64%). Additionally, 20% of respondents needed help knowing where to go for help, and others identified barriers such as time constraints, childcare, and transportation. The survey results inspired the Midland Community Foundation and Mental Health Coalition to find solutions to these issues.
The resulting role, the Mental Health Navigator, simplifies access to mental health services and helps overcome barriers.
To accomplish this, the Mental Health Navigator will:
Take a proactive approach to gathering detailed information about the caller and their situation. This ensures that an appropriate referral can be made through an intake process tailored to the individual's needs.
Explain and educate about insurance jargon.
Provide additional referrals for immediate needs such as housing and food.
The Mental Health Navigator provides ongoing support by following up with the caller to ensure the referral was successful. If not, they identify the reason and offer additional referrals, demonstrating their commitment to the individual's well-being.
Maintain and periodically verify information about local and regional mental health and substance use services.
Help callers apply for Medicaid on MiBridges or complete a federal Marketplace application when appropriate.
How to refer to the Mental Health Navigator:
Contact Navigator directly (see contact information below)
Call 211
For more information about mental health navigation or to schedule an intake, contact:
Malenda Harp, Community Navigator | Phone: (989)249-3458 | malenda@211nemichigan.org
For more information/questions about program partnerships/program logistics, contact:
Will Wright-Johansson, Program Director | Phone: (989)220-3795 | will@211nemichigan.org
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?