News
Governor's Budget Shows Strong Support for NAMI Montana's Consistent Six and Montana State Hospital
Written by
Written by
Matt Kuntz
Matt Kuntz
Posted on
Posted on
Dec 16, 2024
Dec 16, 2024
Category
Category
Advocacy
Advocacy
Earlier this month, Governor Greg Gianforte announced his budget. It is a massive, multi-section document. In order to wrap our heads around it, we usually also have to have a couple of legislative meetings that describe some of the more nuanced sections.
This budget was even trickier because it combines with recommendations and funding initiatives from the 872 Commission to fund behavioral health in Montana.
After the dust settled, we were able to determine that the "Consistent Six" that NAMI Montana asked to be funded was really well represented in the Governor's budget. The "Consistent Six" was the list of mental health service needs that were identified by both the Legislature in the last Interim and the 872 Commission in its analysis.
Stabilize behavioral health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help Montana mental health care clinicians serve youth at-risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
Expand mental health crisis beds
We were especially excited about the stabilization of behavioral healthcare financing through support for the CCBHC model. Adopting this model is critical to the long-term viability of Montana's outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment system. NAMI Montana is working on a related bill for CCBHCs at the Legislature with Representative Jane Gillette.
Additionally, Governor Gianforte included a major funding increase for Montana State Hospital to address much needed facility upgrades and support for Medicaid Expansion. We are still hoping for a little bit more guidance on the funding plan for mental health crisis beds.
These are critical funding wins with the Governor's budget. If you get a chance, please consider calling or messaging Governor Gianforte and thanking him for funding "NAMI Montana's Consistent Six, Medicaid Expansion, and Montana State Hospital improvements."
You can leave a message for Governor Gianforte by calling (406) 444-3111 or by web form at https://governor.mt.gov/contact/
Thank you!
Matt
Matt Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
Earlier this month, Governor Greg Gianforte announced his budget. It is a massive, multi-section document. In order to wrap our heads around it, we usually also have to have a couple of legislative meetings that describe some of the more nuanced sections.
This budget was even trickier because it combines with recommendations and funding initiatives from the 872 Commission to fund behavioral health in Montana.
After the dust settled, we were able to determine that the "Consistent Six" that NAMI Montana asked to be funded was really well represented in the Governor's budget. The "Consistent Six" was the list of mental health service needs that were identified by both the Legislature in the last Interim and the 872 Commission in its analysis.
Stabilize behavioral health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help Montana mental health care clinicians serve youth at-risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
Expand mental health crisis beds
We were especially excited about the stabilization of behavioral healthcare financing through support for the CCBHC model. Adopting this model is critical to the long-term viability of Montana's outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment system. NAMI Montana is working on a related bill for CCBHCs at the Legislature with Representative Jane Gillette.
Additionally, Governor Gianforte included a major funding increase for Montana State Hospital to address much needed facility upgrades and support for Medicaid Expansion. We are still hoping for a little bit more guidance on the funding plan for mental health crisis beds.
These are critical funding wins with the Governor's budget. If you get a chance, please consider calling or messaging Governor Gianforte and thanking him for funding "NAMI Montana's Consistent Six, Medicaid Expansion, and Montana State Hospital improvements."
You can leave a message for Governor Gianforte by calling (406) 444-3111 or by web form at https://governor.mt.gov/contact/
Thank you!
Matt
Matt Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
Earlier this month, Governor Greg Gianforte announced his budget. It is a massive, multi-section document. In order to wrap our heads around it, we usually also have to have a couple of legislative meetings that describe some of the more nuanced sections.
This budget was even trickier because it combines with recommendations and funding initiatives from the 872 Commission to fund behavioral health in Montana.
After the dust settled, we were able to determine that the "Consistent Six" that NAMI Montana asked to be funded was really well represented in the Governor's budget. The "Consistent Six" was the list of mental health service needs that were identified by both the Legislature in the last Interim and the 872 Commission in its analysis.
Stabilize behavioral health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help Montana mental health care clinicians serve youth at-risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
Expand mental health crisis beds
We were especially excited about the stabilization of behavioral healthcare financing through support for the CCBHC model. Adopting this model is critical to the long-term viability of Montana's outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment system. NAMI Montana is working on a related bill for CCBHCs at the Legislature with Representative Jane Gillette.
Additionally, Governor Gianforte included a major funding increase for Montana State Hospital to address much needed facility upgrades and support for Medicaid Expansion. We are still hoping for a little bit more guidance on the funding plan for mental health crisis beds.
These are critical funding wins with the Governor's budget. If you get a chance, please consider calling or messaging Governor Gianforte and thanking him for funding "NAMI Montana's Consistent Six, Medicaid Expansion, and Montana State Hospital improvements."
You can leave a message for Governor Gianforte by calling (406) 444-3111 or by web form at https://governor.mt.gov/contact/
Thank you!
Matt
Matt Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
Earlier this month, Governor Greg Gianforte announced his budget. It is a massive, multi-section document. In order to wrap our heads around it, we usually also have to have a couple of legislative meetings that describe some of the more nuanced sections.
This budget was even trickier because it combines with recommendations and funding initiatives from the 872 Commission to fund behavioral health in Montana.
After the dust settled, we were able to determine that the "Consistent Six" that NAMI Montana asked to be funded was really well represented in the Governor's budget. The "Consistent Six" was the list of mental health service needs that were identified by both the Legislature in the last Interim and the 872 Commission in its analysis.
Stabilize behavioral health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help Montana mental health care clinicians serve youth at-risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
Expand mental health crisis beds
We were especially excited about the stabilization of behavioral healthcare financing through support for the CCBHC model. Adopting this model is critical to the long-term viability of Montana's outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment system. NAMI Montana is working on a related bill for CCBHCs at the Legislature with Representative Jane Gillette.
Additionally, Governor Gianforte included a major funding increase for Montana State Hospital to address much needed facility upgrades and support for Medicaid Expansion. We are still hoping for a little bit more guidance on the funding plan for mental health crisis beds.
These are critical funding wins with the Governor's budget. If you get a chance, please consider calling or messaging Governor Gianforte and thanking him for funding "NAMI Montana's Consistent Six, Medicaid Expansion, and Montana State Hospital improvements."
You can leave a message for Governor Gianforte by calling (406) 444-3111 or by web form at https://governor.mt.gov/contact/
Thank you!
Matt
Matt Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
Recommended News
Veterans Advocacy
Apr 19, 2024
Senator Tester Nominates Diane Carlson Evans for Presidential Medal of Freedom
NAMI Montana commends Senator Jon Tester for nominating Diane Carlson Evans for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her impactful advocacy for Montana veterans. Diane is celebrated for her key role in establishing the Vietnam Women's Memorial, honoring the service of U.S. women in the Vietnam War. Additionally, she significantly aided NAMI Montana's federal veterans advocacy, particularly influencing policies on mental health screening for service members. Diane also helped establish a Vet Center in Helena, enhancing support for combat veterans. NAMI Montana encourages public support for Diane’s nomination, highlighting her national influence on veterans' advocacy.
Trans-Montana Fundraiser
Feb 9, 2024
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Trans-Montana's Impact on Youth and Veterans Mental Health
The TransMontana charity snowmobile ride, a cornerstone event organized by the Montana Snowmobile Association for NAMI Montana's veteran and youth mental health initiatives, marked its tenth year with resilience. Despite the cancellation of the ride due to insufficient snow, the community's spirit remained undeterred. A banquet in Butte replaced the ride, celebrating the enduring support and commitment of the riders, donors, and volunteers. Notably, no participant requested a refund, showcasing the deep dedication to the cause. The event raised vital funds for NAMI Montana's work with youth and veterans, highlighting the power of a committed community to drive change and support mental health care in Montana.
Resources
Jul 21, 2023
Google Bard's Top Five Inpatient Mental Health Facility Rankings for Texas
NAMI Montana is using Google Bard to showcase examples of how to search for mental health care resources. A request was made for the top five rated inpatient mental health facilities in Texas with over twenty ratings on Google Maps. The list includes The Menninger Clinic, The Center for Behavioral Health, The Meadows, The Austin Recovery Center, and The Emily Program, all with high ratings. The Menninger Clinic, located in Houston, is one of the oldest and most prestigious psychiatric hospitals in the country. The Center for Behavioral Health in Austin provides a range of mental health and addiction treatments. The Meadows, primarily in Arizona but also in Austin, specializes in treating eating disorders. The Austin Recovery Center focuses on inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Lastly, The Emily Program, based in Austin with other Texas locations, is a residential treatment center for eating disorders.
Veterans Advocacy
Apr 19, 2024
Senator Tester Nominates Diane Carlson Evans for Presidential Medal of Freedom
NAMI Montana commends Senator Jon Tester for nominating Diane Carlson Evans for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her impactful advocacy for Montana veterans. Diane is celebrated for her key role in establishing the Vietnam Women's Memorial, honoring the service of U.S. women in the Vietnam War. Additionally, she significantly aided NAMI Montana's federal veterans advocacy, particularly influencing policies on mental health screening for service members. Diane also helped establish a Vet Center in Helena, enhancing support for combat veterans. NAMI Montana encourages public support for Diane’s nomination, highlighting her national influence on veterans' advocacy.
Trans-Montana Fundraiser
Feb 9, 2024
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Trans-Montana's Impact on Youth and Veterans Mental Health
The TransMontana charity snowmobile ride, a cornerstone event organized by the Montana Snowmobile Association for NAMI Montana's veteran and youth mental health initiatives, marked its tenth year with resilience. Despite the cancellation of the ride due to insufficient snow, the community's spirit remained undeterred. A banquet in Butte replaced the ride, celebrating the enduring support and commitment of the riders, donors, and volunteers. Notably, no participant requested a refund, showcasing the deep dedication to the cause. The event raised vital funds for NAMI Montana's work with youth and veterans, highlighting the power of a committed community to drive change and support mental health care in Montana.
Veterans Advocacy
Apr 19, 2024
Senator Tester Nominates Diane Carlson Evans for Presidential Medal of Freedom
NAMI Montana commends Senator Jon Tester for nominating Diane Carlson Evans for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her impactful advocacy for Montana veterans. Diane is celebrated for her key role in establishing the Vietnam Women's Memorial, honoring the service of U.S. women in the Vietnam War. Additionally, she significantly aided NAMI Montana's federal veterans advocacy, particularly influencing policies on mental health screening for service members. Diane also helped establish a Vet Center in Helena, enhancing support for combat veterans. NAMI Montana encourages public support for Diane’s nomination, highlighting her national influence on veterans' advocacy.
Trans-Montana Fundraiser
Feb 9, 2024
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Trans-Montana's Impact on Youth and Veterans Mental Health
The TransMontana charity snowmobile ride, a cornerstone event organized by the Montana Snowmobile Association for NAMI Montana's veteran and youth mental health initiatives, marked its tenth year with resilience. Despite the cancellation of the ride due to insufficient snow, the community's spirit remained undeterred. A banquet in Butte replaced the ride, celebrating the enduring support and commitment of the riders, donors, and volunteers. Notably, no participant requested a refund, showcasing the deep dedication to the cause. The event raised vital funds for NAMI Montana's work with youth and veterans, highlighting the power of a committed community to drive change and support mental health care in Montana.
Help Us With This Important Mission
We rely on donor support for all of our work. We can't do this without you!
Help Us With This Important Mission
We rely on donor support for all of our work. We can't do this without you!
Help Us With This Important Mission
We rely on donor support for all of our work. We can't do this without you!
Help Us With This Important Mission
We rely on donor support for all of our work. We can't do this without you!
Stay Connected to Better Health
We are mental health experienced therapists that are passionate about our goal on empowering you mentally with our wellness journey.
© 2025 NAMI Montana
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Stay Connected to Better Health
We are mental health experienced therapists that are passionate about our goal on empowering you mentally with our wellness journey.
© 2025 NAMI Montana
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Stay Connected to Better Health
We are mental health experienced therapists that are passionate about our goal on empowering you mentally with our wellness journey.
© 2025 NAMI Montana
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
