Behavioral Health Provider Resources
Michigan Medicaid Mental Health Framework
Behavioral health providers play a critical role in supporting Medicaid members through coordinated, high-quality behavioral health services across the continuum of care. This page provides operational guidance, training information, referral process updates, assessment requirements, and educational resources related to the Michigan Medicaid Mental Health Framework (MHF).
Providers are encouraged to review this information regularly as MDHHS continues phased implementation activities throughout Fiscal Year 2026. Additional guidance, trainings, and operational updates may continue to evolve as implementation progresses.
What is the Michigan Medicaid Mental Health Framework?
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) developed the Mental Health Framework to improve coordination, accountability, access, and integration of behavioral health services across Michigan’s Medicaid program.
Under the Mental Health Framework, a member’s level of mental health need — as determined through State-designated standardized assessment tools — will help determine which payer is responsible for behavioral health coverage and services.
The Mental Health Framework has been delayed and MDHHS has not released an updated timeline for implementation.
Standardized Assessment Requirements
Beginning October 1, 2025, qualified behavioral health providers participating in Michigan Medicaid and contracted with Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) and/or Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) are expected to incorporate State-designated assessment tools into practice.
Required Assessment Tools
MichiCANS Screener
The Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) Screener is used for children and youth under age 21.
The tool supports:
- Screening and intake activities
- Identification of behavioral health needs
- Treatment planning support
- Referral decision-making
- Care coordination activities
LOCUS
The Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) assessment is used for adults age 21 and older.
The tool supports:
- Level of care determinations
- Behavioral health assessment activities
- Care coordination
- Service planning
- Referral and transition support
Provider Training Requirements
Behavioral health providers whose scope of practice includes assessment of mental health need are expected to complete applicable training requirements for the designated assessment tools.
MichiCANS Training Requirements
Providers administering the MichiCANS Screener must complete required training and certification activities prior to utilizing the assessment tool.
Training requirements may include:
- TCOM Orientation Training
- MichiCANS Overview Training
- Action Planning Training
- Certification completion
- Supervisor training, when applicable
MDHHS has indicated that staff participating in treatment planning activities and supervisors overseeing certified staff are expected to complete additional applicable trainings.
LOCUS Training Requirements
Providers administering the LOCUS assessment must complete required MDHHS training prior to utilizing the assessment tool.
MDHHS has communicated that:
- LOCUS training will be online and self-paced
- Training will take approximately five hours to complete
- Providers must complete required training before receiving assessment access
- Non-CMHSP providers will access the LOCUS tool through a State-supported web-based platform
- Applicable providers may receive continuing education credit for completion of training
Recertification Requirements
Behavioral health providers utilizing State-designated assessment tools may be required to maintain active certification and training compliance status.
At this time, MDHHS has not released a formal annual Mental Health Framework recertification policy specific to all providers. However, providers are expected to comply with all ongoing training, certification, competency, and access maintenance requirements communicated by MDHHS.
MichiCANS Ongoing Training Expectations
MDHHS requires ongoing training participation for applicable MichiCANS users and supervisors.
Requirements may include:
- Maintaining active certification status
- Participation in refresher or booster trainings
- Completion of Action Planning training
- Completion of Supervisor Training, when applicable
- Compliance with updated assessment guidance and operational requirements
Providers should monitor MDHHS communications for future recertification schedules and additional training requirements.
LOCUS Ongoing Training Expectations
MDHHS has stated that providers utilizing the LOCUS tool are expected to complete required training and remain compliant with future operational and competency requirements.
Providers should:
- Complete all required LOCUS training
- Monitor MDHHS guidance updates
- Participate in future refresher or updated trainings, if required
- Maintain appropriate system access and security compliance requirements
Assessment Submission & Access
MichiCANS Submission
Providers completing the MichiCANS Screener will submit assessment information through CareConnect360 (CC360).
Assessment data will be transmitted electronically to MDHHS for reporting and coordination purposes.
LOCUS Submission
CMHSP providers may continue utilizing existing EHR submission workflows.
Non-CMHSP providers who complete required LOCUS training will receive access to a State-supported secure web-based submission platform.
Referral Process & Care Coordination
MDHHS is implementing a standardized referral process to support coordination across behavioral health delivery systems.
The standardized referral process is expected to include:
- Warm handoff expectations
- Standardized referral forms
- Referral tracking functionality
- Cross-system coordination between MHPs, PIHPs, CMHSPs, and providers
- Use of the CareConnect360 (CC360) referral module
MDHHS anticipates phased implementation of the referral process throughout FY 2026.
Billing & Operational Guidance
MDHHS has indicated that provider training completion status will not impact the ability to bill Medicaid for behavioral health services during phased implementation.
Providers are still expected to:
- Complete required trainings as soon as possible
- Maintain appropriate documentation
- Follow provider manual billing requirements
- Submit claims in accordance with contractual and State requirements
- Participate in required referral and coordination processes
Provider Education Resources
Behavioral health providers are encouraged to regularly review:
- Provider bulletins
- MDHHS Mental Health Framework communications
- Provider manual updates
- Operational guidance documents
- Training webinars and recordings
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Assessment training resources
- Referral process updates
Questions & Support
For questions regarding the Michigan Medicaid Mental Health Framework, provider training requirements, standardized assessments, referrals, or behavioral health operational guidance, providers may contact MDHHS or contact Provider Relations for additional support.
Additional MDHHS Mental Health Framework resources are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .