Upper Peninsula’s Behavioral Health Need

Lack of Access to Services

All 15 Counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) are designated as Low Income Population, Geographic or “High Needs” Geographic Mental
Health Professional Shortage Areas¹. As a result, many primary care providers are managing an overwhelming number
of patients with behavioral health concerns—often without timely access to psychiatric expertise. Access to counseling and
psychotherapy is limited in every county, and the challenge is especially acute in our smaller, rural communities.

These shortages lead to:
– Long wait times for appointments when patients need them most
– Significant travel distance for those able to seek care in other communities
– Disruption in care coordination of patient receiving services across multiple systems and providers

The impact is felt across the entire Upper Peninsula, as residents of all ages and behaviors face barriers to timely,
coordinated, and comprehensive behavioral health and substance use care.

The regional Behavioral Health Network strengthens connections between providers, service lines, and resources,
improving access to quality care for every UP resident.

¹ https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas/hpsa-find