Montana Lawmakers Approve Major Reforms to Behavioral Health Care System
HELENA – In a significant move to address the state’s struggling behavioral health care system, Montana legislators have approved a comprehensive package aimed at upgrading and expanding mental health services. The initiative follows years of budget cuts that left the system in disarray, exacerbating waitlists for care and diminishing community-based services.
With backing from Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, legislators allocated approximately $124 million in state funding, along with up to $40 million in federal funds, to rehabilitate the mental health system. Key measures include the construction of a new mental health facility in eastern Montana, the addition of more beds in existing state facilities, and enhancements to crisis services in local communities.
Matt Kuntz, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Montana chapter, expressed optimism about the reforms, stating, "For our families that struggle in these systems, it gives us so much hope." The legislation seeks to rectify systemic issues caused by previous budgetary constraints and a backlog of criminal defendants awaiting evaluations at the state psychiatric hospital — which lost its federal certification in 2022 amid safety concerns.
During the session, lawmakers crafted solutions to address gaps in the governor’s proposals, such as revising commitment procedures and ensuring counties receive reimbursement for holding criminal defendants awaiting treatment.
Senator John Esp noted the bipartisan effort, stressing the importance of supporting those in need. "The people that need our support… are going to benefit from what we did," he affirmed.
As Montana embarks on this transformative journey for its behavioral health system, lawmakers remain focused on the long-term sustainability of these solutions, urging future administrations to prioritize mental health funding beyond two-year budget cycles.
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