OCHN Takes on Mental Health Crisis Services Directly, Ending Contact with Common Ground
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 29, 2026)
Oakland County, MI – Oakland Community Health Network and Common Ground have parted ways, with OCHN directly taking on mental health crisis services that it previously had been contracting with Common Ground to provide.
The operational change has long been in the works, but a financial dispute has led to a more abrupt transition than originally anticipated. OCHN claims that they had overpaid Common Ground by over $1 million, while Common Ground claims that OCHN stopped providing them with “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in payments.
Common Ground President and CEO Heather Rae said in a press release that “Rather than ensuring continuity of services and protecting vulnerable residents, OCHN prioritized financial disputes over immediate public safety. Any concerns about overpayment or cost settlement should have been addressed after services were stabilized, not by cutting off funding in the middle of an active crisis system. Responsible stewardship would have meant keeping providers whole during the transition and resolving financial questions through standard audit and reconciliation processes afterward – without placing patients, staff, and the broader emergency response system at risk.”
OCHN contends that “While the transition of services from Common Ground to Oakland Community Health Network occurred sooner than originally anticipated, crisis services are operational and accessible to the community at the Resource and Crisis Center in Pontiac.”
Thus far at least 55 employees have left Common Ground to work for OCHN, and that number is expected to grow. OCHN stated that “throughout the transition, OCHN continued to operate in good faith, even after identifying an overpayment exceeding $1 million owed back to OCHN and the public system.”
The decision to provide service directly came about because of new state-level policies that require agencies to put in competitive bids for providing services. By directly providing services, rather than subcontracting them out, OCHN is in a stronger position to receive those funds and continue care in Oakland County.
The state’s new process forces budget cuts and privatization, which has prompted criticism – and even a lawsuit – across the state. In October the Court of Claims determined that Michigan Department of Health and Human Services could proceed with the new process.
In spite of the challenging situation, OCHN has taken on the administration of services.
“We want our community to be very clear on one thing: help is available, and no one will be left without support,” said Dana Lasenby, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of OCHN. “OCHN has been strategically and carefully planning for this transition, and we are ready. Our goal is a seamless continuation of services, supported by experienced and highly trained crisis professionals who are committed to being there for people when they need it most. Our doors are open, and our focus remains on care, safety, and dignity.”
Adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis may walk into the OCHN Resource and Crisis Center at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where they will receive support from compassionate, skilled staff. Services include comprehensive crisis assessments, hospitalization support, treatment and recovery referrals, and connections to ongoing community resources. Care is provided through OCHN’s Crisis Stabilization, and Sober Support Units.
Youth crisis services also remain available at the same location through the Youth and Family Care Connection, in partnership with New Oakland Family Centers. Youth ages 17 and under can walk in and receive age-appropriate crisis care from trained professionals in a supportive environment.
Crisis services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at:
OCHN Resource and Crisis Center
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 32E
Pontiac, MI 48341
Anyone in crisis can still call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or they can call the RCC Front Desk at 248-462-6302 to receive immediate support. Both numbers will get anyone the help they need. Learn more about OCHN at https://www.oaklandchn.org/
In spite of losing the OCHN contract, Common Ground, which is based in Bingham Farms, continues to provide mental health services as well. Learn more at https://commongroundhelps.org/get-help/#services
