Michigan kids in mental health crisis sent out of state as facilities close

Michigan has a shrinking capacity for children and teens in severe psychological crises. Families are finding care hundreds of miles away, and a growing number of kids are sent away by courts.

By: Jordyn Hermani

Outlets: Bridge Michigan

Published: April 3, 2026

Words: 2,011

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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Michigan has nearly doubled its out-of-state youth mental health placements over the past decade. Costs have similarly surged
The pandemic accelerated a youth mental health crisis already worsened by social media, burning out staff at treatment facilities
Amid state policy shifts and facility closures, in-state capacity has shrunk

HOLT — Eleanor Middlin was 15 when her family sent her to a Missouri boarding school, an 11-hour drive from her mid-Michigan home. It …

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