June 2026 Newsletter
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Nearly a Decade of Work, One Major Step Forward
Montana has been selected as one of just ten states to receive federal funding through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program.
This is a major step forward for behavioral health care in our state. The CCBHC model will help establish clinics that serve Montanans facing mental health or substance use challenges, regardless of age, location, or ability to pay. It also creates a more sustainable payment system designed to support the true cost of high-quality, integrated care.
For NAMI Montana, this moment has been nearly a decade in the making. After the 2017 Medicaid budget cuts, we began working with partners across the state to understand the damage, rebuild a stronger public mental health system, and identify a better path forward. That work helped lead to an interim study with Senator Walt Sales, legislation with Representative Jane Gillette, and now, federal selection that will help bring this model to life across Montana.
We are deeply grateful to the lawmakers, state leaders, providers, advocates, families, and supporters who helped make this possible. This is an important win for Montana, and an important step toward a stronger, more stable behavioral health system for the future.
NAMIWalks | September 2026
Our annual NAMIWalks event is coming up this fall. The event is a 5K walk bringing together families, advocates, supporters, and community members to raise awareness and support for mental health across Montana.
Location: Memorial Park | 1203 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: Registration opens at 11 AM | Opening ceremony begins at 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
How to Get Involved: Join or form a team, fundraise, donate, or walk! Any way you choose to participate helps strengthen NAMI Montana’s life-changing programs, education, and support services.
May Family Support Group Trainees
Our May Family Support Group training session was great. If you’d like to learn more about these trainings and how to get involved, please reach out to us.
May Family Support Group Trainees
Changes to Medicaid Coming July 1, 2026
Montana has launched a new website to help residents understand upcoming Medicaid changes taking effect July 1. According to DPHHS, key updates include more frequent eligibility check-ins, new reporting and verification requirements, and a monthly community engagement requirement for many adults on Medicaid Expansion unless they qualify for an exemption.
For adults ages 19 to 64 who are not exempt, this means completing 80 hours per month of approved activities such as work, school, job training, or volunteering. DPHHS is encouraging members to read their mail, report changes quickly, and keep their contact information current to help avoid interruptions in coverage.
NAMI Montana recommends that everyone on Medicaid make sure their contact information is up to date with Montana Medicaid.
Resources & Ways to Connect
Whether you’re looking for support, searching for local mental health resources, or hoping to get more involved, NAMI Montana is here to help.
Find Support
Our free, confidential peer-led support groups connect Montanans with others who understand what they’re going through.
Find Resources Near You
Explore NAMI Montana’s free county resource guides for local crisis lines, providers, support options, and other mental health resources.
Stay Connected
Follow NAMI Montana and your local affiliate on social media for resources, upcoming events, advocacy updates, and more.
Help Bring Support to Rural Montana
Thanks to a grant from Intermountain Healthcare, NAMI Montana is working to expand peer-led support groups into at least five new rural communities, giving more Montanans access to mental health support closer to home.
If you’d like to help start a NAMI support group in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
NAMI Montana can help you get started with facilitator training, resources, and connections to your nearest NAMI affiliate.
It only takes two people to start a NAMI support group.
If you live in a rural Montana community and have ever thought someone should start something like this here, we want to hear from you.
Contact us: colleen@namimt.org or 406-443-7871.
Support NAMI Montana
Your support helps keep programs, education, resources, and support groups free for Montanans who need them.
If you're in a position to give or are thinking about your legacy, we'd be honored to be part of it.