Women’s Specialty Services

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) prioritizes substance use disorder services for pregnant and parenting women.

Why Women’s Specialty Services?

To meet the specific needs of women, programs must consider the emotional growth of women and the importance relationships are in their lives. Most of the research done on treatment practices has been based on the emotional growth and development of men, and programming was developed based on this research. With the research of women growing, programming has changed to acknowledge women have different pathways to alcohol/drug use, consequences of use, treatment needs, and recovery support needs than do men.

In Michigan, women who are pregnant, or women with parental rights to their children are placed on a priority list for admission to treatment services. These treatment services are provided through state and federal funds. Women who are enrolled in Medicaid are considered a priority for admission to treatment services and are immediately admitted to treatment. Parents who are involved with Children’s Protective Services, or whose children are in foster care or placement with relatives, are also eligible for services.

Women’s Specialty Services Treatment Options:

Women’s Specialty Services (WSS) are available at all levels of care, including:

Short and long-term residential
Outpatient treatment, including individual and group therapy
Intensive outpatient treatment
Case management

Women’s Specialty Services Providers:

If you are pregnant or a woman with children in need of treatment for a substance use disorder, the following providers offer Women’s Specialty Services.