The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) faces a significant challenge in accessing mental health providers due to the shortage of psychiatrists in the region. However, a new federal grant aims to address this issue and increase the number of psychiatric professionals available to serve the population.
To adequately serve the U.P., it is estimated that at least 75 full-time equivalent psychiatrists are needed, but currently, there are less than 10 in the region. This shortage has had a significant impact on the general population, with patients sometimes waiting months to see a provider.
Northern Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University have collaborated on a program called BridgeUp to address this shortage of mental health providers. This program offers reduced-cost training for individuals seeking a post-graduate certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). The $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration funds the program.
Amy Poirier, PMHNP clinical coordinator at Northern Michigan University, highlights the need for more mental health providers in the U.P. and across the nation. She emphasizes that the program reduces costs for U.P. residents by almost 85% and provides reimbursement of around $15,000 in the final three semesters. The program is designed for working professionals, with all coursework available online and local clinical placements for students.
Despite these barriers, BridgeUp is open to new students for the upcoming semester starting in September, providing an opportunity for those seeking to become mental health providers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to increase their chances of success in this field while also addressing a critical need in northern Michigan communities.
In conclusion, BridgeUp is an innovative program that addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing many rural communities – access to mental health care services
