For Medicaid Coverage & the Uninsured

Livingston ACCESS 517-546-4126 or 800-615-1245 Livingston ACCESS represents a team of clinically-trained staff who conduct screenings for a variety of behavioral health services in Livingston County. The ACCESS Department is physically located at the Livingston County Mental Health Authority (2280 E. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843) and the team is designated to handle crisis matters as well as routine requests for services (SUD/COD and Mental Health). They are responsible for evaluation, assessment, service screening and insurance authorization, as well as crisis response.

Contacting Livingston ACCESS begins your initial “screening” process for SUD/COD services. This process is required by Medicaid to determine the following:

  • Whether or not a service is appropriate for you (Do you qualify for the service that you’re seeking?)
  • What level of service is most appropriate for you (Which type of service may be the best fit for you?)
The “screening” is generally completed by phone but may also be facilitated in-person if you prefer speaking with a staff member face-to-face or do not otherwise have access to a working phone. Anticipate that your SUD/COD screening will last roughly 30 minutes and you will be asked questions about the services you’re seeking, your substance use and mental health history, your criminal history and community supervision status (probation/parole), as well as current substance use and any present mental health needs.

You may be asked to sign a “Release of Information” (ROI) if you prefer additional assistance from a friend, family member or other support person, in navigating this process. This is done to ensure your confidentiality, as any disclosure of information concerning you, your screening or the services you’re seeking, cannot be made without your consent.

Priority Populations

Populations are required to have rapid entry into treatment services to meet their urgent needs. These include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Pregnant women with IV drug use
  • Men or women with IV drug use
  • Men or women at risk of losing children (Child Protective Services involvement)
  • Anyone referred through Michigan Department of Corrections Women’s Specialty Services (WSS) receive special funding through the State of Michigan and focus on women with substance use disorders and their families.
Research has shown that women have different pathways to substance use, consequences of use, treatment needs and recovery support needs than men. Services are available at all levels of care (e.g., outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential and peer recovery supports) but also incorporate additional needs such as childcare and transportation services. Programs require a special designation to receive this funding and programming is designed to meet the unique needs of women. Trauma-focused treatment is often a component of care. All services are family centered; collaborate across systems (healthcare, legal, child welfare, mental health, substance use, etc.); ensure safety; and encourage self-sufficiency.