WillowsEdge

08/24/2026

People keep asking us the same question: what can I actually do?

Do this: Tell BCBSM exactly how many patients this policy puts at risk.

We wrote the letter for you. It takes about two minutes. You do not need an assigned BCBSM representative. The page now tells you exactly where to send it.

Our report found that responding clinicians alone represent more than 5,700 BCBSM clients seen weekly by limited licensed providers. More than 1,000 are in active crisis stabilization or safety planning. Every letter adds a real number to that.

If you own a group practice, ask every affected clinician in your practice to send one.

The template and BCBSM contact instructions are halfway down the page under “What you can do”:
mmhcanow.org/bcbsm-impact

BCBSM’s current May 31, 2026 article about this exact incident-to policy. At the bottom, BCBSM states:

“Providers with additional questions about this policy may share feedback by emailing [email protected].”

Two minutes. Your caseload. A number BCBSM cannot ignore.

NASW-Michigan

08/22/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who made today possible, starting with Jess Riley (Jessica Riley), Policy and Advocacy Manager at NASW Michigan (NASW-Michigan), who coordinated the event.

Thank you also to Abdul El-Sayed (Abdul El-Sayed), Rep. Mike McFall (State Representative Mike McFall), Rep. Kim Edwards (State Representative Kimberly Edwards), Sen. Rosemary Bayer (Senator Rosemary Bayer), Chris Gilmer-Hill, Caitlin and Noel from Healer's Choice, and Chris DeBoer from MMHCA, along with the many others who have been organizing around this issue.

08/22/2026

We showed up.

Today, Michigan counselors, social workers, clients and families stood outside Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan headquarters in Detroit. The proposed incident-to change would cut limited licensed clinicians out of private practice care starting March 1, 2027. The people it affects were on the sidewalk saying so.

The full record, with photographs and the impact assessment: mmhcanow.org/rally

08/22/2026

A big shot out goes to Willows Edge’s own counselor and art therapist David for advocating for mental health in the state of Michigan and the absurdity of the BCBS proposed policy changes.

More of us are in therapy than ever, but starting in March, Blue Cross will stop covering some counselors, and thousands of Michiganders could their therapists. A metro Detroit counselor explains what's happening.

08/22/2026

THEY LOST THEIR DAD.

NOW COULD THEY LOSE THEIR THERAPIST?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is moving to stop reimbursing mental health care delivered by limited-licensed clinicians in professional practice settings.

These are licensed professionals completing the 3,000 supervised clinical hours Michigan requires for full licensure, a process that takes years. It is like refusing to pay for patient care delivered by doctors while they complete residency.

This is not just a billing change. It threatens established therapeutic relationships, reduces access to mental health care, and weakens Michigan’s behavioral health workforce.

When insurers stop paying, Michigan families lose care.

These policy changes hurt all of us.

08/20/2026

Happening tomorrow! Hope you can make it!

08/13/2026

We’re back at the open air market in Washington square! Come see us and support local artists and help to raise funds for those in need of mental health and healing arts services!

08/12/2026

Nobody printed these signs for us. Counselors made them.

Hand lettered poster board, children of clinicians, retired counselors, graduate students. Everyone in these photographs took a working day to stand outside an insurance company and ask for something specific.

The whole record is on the site now. If you were there, we would love to see your photos in the comments.

www.mmhcanow.org/bcbsm-impact

08/07/2026

Painting party event for teens! Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997190267854?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/24/2026

Take a break from your busy life and come create something! Offered at our Oxford office!