We support the complete continuum of behavioral health services by addressing prevention and treatment system gaps.
“Behavioral health” is the term used to describe mental illness and substance use disorders and the fields of health care that address them.
Please read each of the sections below to learn more about how we are working to support Montana’s behavioral health system.
Visit our Grant Library to learn more about the projects we support.
Areas we work
Prevention
We support the Montana Public Health Institute, which works directly with county and tribal health departments to implement prevention programs for mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We work with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and local partners to advance community-led prevention efforts.
Primary Care
Primary care is the foundation of an effective behavioral health system. Nationally, more than 50% of mental health services are provided in primary care. Our Integrated Behavioral Health Initiative and The Meadowlark Initiative® support a robust primary care system.
Crisis Diversion
We support redesigning behavioral health crisis systems by implementing a best-practice model that people in crisis with appropriate levels of care according to their needs and avoids unnecessary interactions with emergency medical or law enforcement services. Learn more about this statewide work and the available funding opportunity.
Policy & Advocacy
We identify and implement practical policy solutions to support the sustainable development of behavioral health systems. We support organizations that support the behavioral health system, including the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Closing Gaps
We work to close gaps in the behavioral health continuum of care by supporting regions across the state in implementing the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT).
Read the “Our Approach” and “Our Support” sections to learn more about this work.
Our Approach: PACT
The Program for Assertive Community Treatment or “PACT” is a behavioral health service delivery model that facilitates community living, psychosocial rehabilitation, and recovery for people whose illnesses haven’t improved with traditional outpatient services. It allows people with longstanding, severe, or disabling mental illness to live and function safely in their homes and communities rather than being hospitalized. It is particularly beneficial for people living in remote and rural communities who may not have easy access to mental health services.
PACT teams made up of a multidisciplinary group of licensed staff and paraprofessionals, go out into the community, meet, and provide care for people wherever they are and whenever there is a need.
Our Support
In partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana, we support policy to improve and expand PACT implementation across the state. We provide grants to support the startup of new PACT programs, emphasizing reaching rural areas. All funding under this initiative is by invitation only.
Related
Contact
If you have a question about this initiative, please email our program team.