Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

The need for mental health care for Montana’s youth is large. Montana’s youth suicide rate is more than twice the national average, according to Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services. A new coalition is hoping to provide local help to local youth in Gallatin Valley.

The high demand for treatment for children with behavioral and substance abuse problems has led Montana health officials to spend Medicaid funds to send kids to residential programs in other states with less stringent oversight.

Demand for mental health care has been rising through the coronavirus pandemic. Now, despite dwindling funds and technical difficulties, providers are reaching out using unprecedented strategies.