March 2026 Newsletter
Local Affiliates In Your Community
NAMI Montana’s local affiliates provide free support groups, education programs, and community connection throughout the state.
If you or a loved one needs support, start by finding your nearest affiliate.
Free Support Groups
You are not alone. Our peer-led support groups are free, confidential, and designed for individuals living with mental health conditions and for family members supporting loved ones.
Connection can be powerful.
Lead, Support, and Make a Difference:
April 18th and 19th, 2026
NAMI Family-to-Family Training
NAMI Montana is seeking trained volunteers with lived experience as family members of someone with a mental health condition to lead its 8-session Family-to-Family program. Volunteers help family members, partners, and friends of people living with mental health conditions find support, understanding, and tools for advocacy.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Training
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a peer-led space for adults living with mental health conditions. Facilitators help create a safe, supportive environment where participants can share openly, learn from one another, and be reminded that recovery is possible.
Jennifer Preble’s Behavioral Health Report
The 2025 Montana Behavioral Health Conference report shares insights from 575 responses across Montana’s behavioral health system, including people with lived experience, families, providers, and advocates. Key themes included challenges with discharge and transitions, fragmented services, limited access to care and resources, and workforce strain.
The report also emphasizes the importance of strong case management, clear coordination, and person-centered support grounded in trust, dignity, and community.
Mental Health in the News
Montana Voters Overwhelmingly View Cost as a Major Mental Health Care Hurdle
In a recent article from Montana Free Press, new polling data highlights the biggest barriers Montanans face in accessing mental health care.
Cost was the top concern, with 67% of voters calling it a major challenge. Travel distance and stigma were also cited as significant barriers, underscoring the need for more accessible mental health support across Montana.
Despite Successes, Some Mobile Crisis Response Teams are in Crisis
In a recent article from Montana Public Radio and Montana Free Press, reporters highlight the funding challenges facing Montana’s mobile crisis teams.
These teams send trained mental health professionals, not police, to psychiatric emergencies. While programs like Bozeman’s have shown strong results, recent closures in Billings and Great Falls show how hard these services are to sustain without stable funding.
Stay Connected
Not ready to attend an event? That’s ok! Stay informed by following us and your local affiliates on social media and keeping an eye out for this monthly newsletter.