About Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Who We Are

Through contracts with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Community Mental Health Service Programs provide and/or manage local services and supports for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or addictive disorders. Michigan has 46 Community Mental Health Service Programs, which are grouped into 18 regional affiliations. Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health is a member of the Community Mental Health Affiliation of Mid-Michigan.

What We Do

Simply put, Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health grows human potential by cultivating hope and nurturing dreams. We treat all people, without exception, with respect and compassion. We at Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health realize that the benefit achieved by an individual is a benefit shared by the entire community.

Whom We Serve

Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health serves

• Adults with severe mental illness
• Children with severe emotional disturbances
• Adults and children with developmental disabilities
• People with addictive disorders co-occurring with mental illness or developmental disability

The Community Mental Health system ensures that individuals who are eligible for Medicaid or who are uninsured or underinsured receive the help they need. Community Mental Health consumers are people who want to live, work and play in our community. Just like you, they have hopes, dreams, desires and expectations, but they have the added challenge of a mental illness or developmental disability.

Terms to Know

Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities result when the brain does not develop or work as typically expected. Mental impairments may make it difficult to learn, while physical impairments may prevent impair bodily movements or speech. Some developmental disabilities are a combination of mental and physical impairments. Such disabilities appear by age 22.

Mental Illness
Mental illness refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders. Mental disorders are health conditions characterized by alterations in thinking, mood and/or behavior that are mediated by the brain and associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. Such disorders occur in all populations, regardless of gender, age, race or ethnicity. Mental illness can be the result of any combination of biological, environmental, social or behavioral factors.

Person-Centered Planning
Person-centered planning, required by law since 1996, is the approach adopted by Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health to empower people with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities to take a leading role in defining the direction of their lives. With support, individuals are afforded the opportunity to direct the planning of their treatment, expressing their desires with regard to their residence, finances, activities, education, employment, relationships and health. In addition to empowering the individual, this approach leads to their greater inclusion as valued members of the community.

Recovery
Recovery from mental illness is the process through which people are able to live, work and participate fully in their communities. For some, recovery is living a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability; for others, recovery is the reduction or remission of symptoms.

Self-Determination
Self-determination is a process that encourages people with disabilities to take control of their lives by supporting their rights as citizens to make their own choices, manage their resources, participate in their community and have meaningful relationships.

Stigma
Stigma is a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that cause some members of the public to fear reject, avoid or discriminate against people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. Stigma is a serious barrier to treatment and recovery.