Tears, Frustration, and Fear: Families Confront Michigan Lawmakers Over Mental Health System

Families describe lack of services, funding disputes, and barriers to care during overnight House oversight hearing

LANSING, Mich. — Lawmakers on a Michigan House oversight subcommittee heard emotional testimony overnight from families and advocates who described what they called a broken mental health system, raising concerns about funding, accountability, and access to care.

The hearing focused on community mental health services across the state, where legislators said billions of dollars are spent annually but families continue to struggle to get help.

One lawmaker said the state has a responsibility to fix the system, noting Michigan spends about $5.3 billion each year on mental health services.

The lawmaker also raised concerns that some individuals who testified previously were threatened, warning that it could discourage others from speaking out.

“If people feel afraid to come forward, if people are threatened when they come forward… where are we?” the lawmaker said.

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Parent describes disruption in services

One parent testified about his adult son with significant disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy, who relies on structured care and support programs.

The parent said his family moved to Michigan in part because of better access to services, but later faced disruptions when a local adult day program closed.

He described a period of isolation after the closure, saying the lack of services led to behavioral challenges and limited interaction outside the family.

Those months were among the most difficult, he said, adding that the situation improved after his son entered another program where he was engaged and supported.

However, he raised concerns about funding disputes that could lead to additional closures, saying reimbursement rates for direct care workers do not reflect current labor conditions.

“This is the heart of the funding issue,” he said.

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Testimony highlights access barriers

Another witness testified about helping a friend navigate the mental health system, describing repeated hospitalizations and difficulty securing long term care.

She said requests for resources were often ignored or delayed, and the system was difficult to navigate.

“It often feels like a maze of doorways leading to locked doors,” she said.

She also described efforts to secure residential care, including raising money independently after services were denied.

“No one should have to crowdfund health care of any kind,” she said.

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Parent raises concerns about long term care and oversight

Another parent told lawmakers about ongoing challenges obtaining services for a child with complex medical and mental health needs.

The parent said access to care has been inconsistent despite medical recommendations and documentation, with approvals often delayed or denied.

“The barrier has been access and approval,” the parent said.

The testimony described years of trying to secure stable services, with concerns about lack of coordination and accountability.

“Our family has spent many years trying to secure stable services for our child,” the parent said.

The parent also said attempts to escalate complaints to oversight agencies did not result in meaningful changes.

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Patient details delays in treatment

Another witness testified about trying to obtain residential treatment for an eating disorder, saying her condition worsened while navigating the system.

She said she requested specialized care in 2025 and was denied multiple times despite provider recommendations.

“I feel like I’m not important because my BMI isn’t low enough,” she said in a message written during the process.

She described the appeals process as overwhelming, especially while dealing with serious health issues.

“No one should have to spend over a year fighting for medically necessary treatment,” she said.

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Lawmakers cite systemic issues

Lawmakers acknowledged the challenges described in testimony and said the system appears to be deteriorating.

“We know the system is broken,” one representative said, pointing to a lack of accountability and oversight.

Another lawmaker suggested an audit of the state’s mental health spending to determine how funds are being used.

“I think there needs to be an audit… and where it’s going,” the lawmaker said.

Officials said resolving the issues will take time but emphasized the importance of continued investigation and potential reforms.