Behavioral Health Mediation Now Available in Michigan

This article is from the Michigan Behavioral Health Meditation Services. Learn more here.

There is a new, free mediation program in Michigan designed to resolve matters related to experiences with Community Mental Health.

What is Behavioral Health Mediation?

In behavioral health mediation, a neutral third party will guide parties through a confidential communication, information sharing, and decision-making process. The mediator ensures all parties have a voice and there is a power balance at the table.

Behavioral health mediation improves communication and teaches participants to work together and problem solve by establishing root issues, identifying positions, and recognizing solutions. It provides a space for all parties to share concerns and frustrations by being a confidential and impartial process.

If a settlement is reached, the mediators will assist parties in writing an enforceable agreement that is crafted by the parties. Through mediation, one does not lose any of one’s due process rights (i.e., local appeal, grievance/complaint, etc.) by participating.

Why It’s Recommended?

Behavioral health mediation is a process that provides a safe space to share concerns with a mediation professional. It also allows clients an impartial process where parties have an equal voice. This type of mediation is quick, with most cases settled in less than 30 days. Even if mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, most Michigan residents find the court alternative experience to be a success. Benefits include improved relationships, trust built, and reduced stress level. And, mediation is a confidential process, meaning each parties interests remain private.

What’s the Sign-Up Process?

Step 1: Fill out the “Request Mediation” form.

Step 2: A specialist will confirm eligibility.

Step 3: Case will be referred to their local Community Dispute Resolution Program center.

Step 4: The Community Dispute Resolution Program center will contact them and the appropriate Community Mental Health or Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan to conduct a formal intake process to understand the issues between the parties.

Step 5: Following the intake process, the Community Dispute Resolution Program center will schedule a mediation session within 10 business days.

This free, conflict-resolution option is available to those who qualify and paid for by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

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