A new unit for emergency mental health services has commenced construction at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center in response to the growing demand for specialized care in Montana. This facility aims to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for adults facing any type of mental crisis.
Rebecka Pearson, founder of Yellowstone Wellness and a mental health therapist, highlights the progress made in mental health services but emphasizes that there is still a long way to go. She notes that individuals seeking in-patient mental health specialty care in Gallatin County often have to travel outside the area for higher-level care, which has not been readily available until now.
Nicole Madden, system director for behavioral health at the medical center, stresses the importance of having a care space close to home for those in a mental health crisis. The new adult inpatient behavioral health unit, capable of serving up to 14 patients, marks a significant development in providing specialized care locally. This program will eliminate the need for individuals to travel long distances for specialized mental health care and offer a more supportive environment for patients and their families.
The 9,100-square-foot unit is designed with calming and therapeutic features that offer an improvement over existing mental health services in the area. The construction of this unit signifies progress towards addressing mental health needs in Gallatin County and inspires conversations about mental health stigma. Madden hopes that this new program will lead to further advancements in mental health care in the community and open doors towards enhancing support systems for those struggling with mental illnesses.
The new unit is expected to open by 2025 and represents a promising step towards improving accessibility to specialized mental health services and support systems across Montana.
