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Who We Are Western Montana Mental Health provides comprehensive behavioral health services to people of all ages facing mental health and substance use disorders. We meet you where you are, and we do not turn away. ​ We are here for those who need the kind of care that only we can provide, the way we provide it, where we provide it. ​ We are here to support every person’s potential to dream more, achieve more, and be more. ​ We are here to provide access to hope, meaningful life choices, and better outcomes. ​ At Western Montana Mental Health Center, we meet people where they are, and we do not turn away. Mission & Vision Our Mission Our Mission: At WMMHC our mission is to build thriving communities through compassionate, whole-person, expert care. ​ Our Vision: Our vision is to serve as a premiere community provider, employer, and partner in comprehensive behavioral health services. Our Values: Empathy. Integrity. Respect. Impact About About Since we opened our doors in 1971, we have been driven by the unwavering goal of providing behavioral healthcare that meets the needs of the people we serve throughout Western Montana. We've stayed true to our commitment to providing person-centered and evidence-based care in community settings. We've remained dedicated to doing what is right, not what is easy or profitable. As a licensed community-based mental health center, we have fulfilled our unique role – to be Western Montana's behavioral healthcare "safety net." We tirelessly advocate for the rights of individuals to have access to integrated services that help people overcome despair and choose hope. ​ The only thing that has changed since our inception almost 50 years ago is how much we've grown. Provided by staff representing a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds, we have a much more comprehensive offering of services with 25 programs to meet the needs of people across the continuum of age and need. And, since 2016, we can now provide services using telemedicine technology, meaning better access for clients and more effective use of scarce resources. History History Initially, the State Department of Institutions funded and administered five community mental health clinics. One of the clinics was located in Missoula and was housed in the basement of the Student Health Center at the University of Montana. This clinic, with a staff of six, was responsible for serving the counties of Western Montana. Services were almost exclusively outpatient, and due to the limited team, outreach efforts throughout the Region were minimal. The expectation was that clients would commute to Missoula, where services would be provided within the clinic. There are old records suggesting that the clinic opened in 1942. Employees of this clinic were all staff members of the State of Montana, and they answered directly to the superintendent of the Warm Springs State Hospital. There was considerable isolation of the staff as direct contact with the State Hospital was minimal. Federal Involvement Federal Involvement Montana's interest in developing comprehensive community mental health centers was sparked by the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health that Congress established under the Mental Health Study Act of 1955. Montana received funds to study its mental health needs and resources, and for five years, effort was devoted to the development of a plan that would provide adequate services to the residents of Montana. With the passage of federal staffing and construction grant programs by Congress in 1963, the Montana State legislature passed complementary bills that enabled the State to become a responsible partner with the federal government in establishing regional mental health centers. Five mental health regions were established within the State and Boards, comprised of a county commissioner from each county within the Region, designated as the authority for governance of the community-based mental health programs. On July 15, 1969, the Western Montana Regional Community Mental Health Center Board submitted to the National Institute of Mental Health an application requesting federal staffing grant funds under the provision of Public Law 89-105. The program was approved on September 1, 1969—Western initiated services on January 1, 1971, utilizing local, State, and federal funds. Offices were opened in Ravalli, Lake, Sanders, Flathead, Lincoln Counties, and the existing Missoula-based outpatient office. The original (1971) staff numbered 20, including 11 clinicians, seven clerical workers, a business manager, and a regional director. Meet Our Leaders Meet Our Board Contact Us Mission & Vision | About | History | Federal Involvement

Volunteer With WMMHC Are you or someone you know searching for a new challenge, or a way to contribute your time and skills while helping to support and build thriving communities? VOLUNTEER TODAY National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Missoula, MT Western Montana Mental Health Center is seeking empathetic, compassionate, and motivated volunteers. WMMHC’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline is provided through a partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a nationwide network of call center providers. ​ Volunteer Lifeline Counselors (VLC) receive inbound calls from individuals experiencing behavioral health crises or suicidality 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. VLC use their behavioral health experience and education with targeted training and professional support provided by WMMHC to effectively engage with callers and establish a therapeutic alliance that empowers the caller to address crises using their strengths and supports. VLC also connects callers with established care teams when applicable to ensure a continuum of care that fosters long-term recovery. As a volunteer, you will receive valuable training and a rewarding experience while supporting the mental health needs of our communities. Become A Volunteer Openings Apply Training REVIEW CURRENT OPENINGS ​ WMMHC is currently accepting volunteer applications for our Lifeline Suicide Prevention Team. Feel free to contact us at lifeline@wmmhc.org or at 406-419-4100 if you have any questions! Volunteer Please wait while we load the application

Missoula County - Missoula < Prev Next > WMMHC- Missoula 1325 Wyoming St, Missoula, MT 59801, USA Call: (406) 532-9700 Fax: (406) 541-3035 Email: administration@wmmhc.org

Sanders County - Thompson Falls, Plains < Prev Next > WMMHC- Plains 200 E. Railroad Plains, MT 59859, USA Call: (406) 826-5529 Email: administration@wmmhc.org Email: administration@wmmhc.org

Flathead County - Kalispell < Prev Next > WMMHC- Kalispell 410 Windward Way, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA Call: (406) 257-1336 Fax: (406) 257-1353 Email: administration@wmmhc.org

Sanders County - Thompson Falls, Plains < Prev Next > WMMHC- Thompson Falls 602 Preston Ave, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA Call: (406) 532-9190 Fax: (406) 206-5133 Email: administration@wmmhc.org

Resources ​ Flagship After School Program ​ Al-Anon ​ MT Alcoholics Anonymous ​ MT Region Narcotics Anonymous ​ NAMI ​ NAMI MT ​ Mental Health America of MT ​ National Council for Behavioral Health ​ MT Dept of Health and Human Service s

Board of Directors Officers Jean Curtiss, Past Chair Kyle Waterman, Chair Thomas McGuire, Vice-Chair Jennifer McCully, Secretary and Treasurer ​ ​ Board Members Gale Decker Dan Huls

Prevention Specialists Prevention specialists work with communities to reduce youth substance use or misuse through education on risk and protective factors that affect youth development and through the planning, implementing, and evaluating policies and programs that promote protective factors and reduce risk factors. Everything is done to encourage our youth's health and well-being and provide them with opportunities for success. ​ To request a presentation or to learn more about prevention services in your area, contact a Prevention Specialists in your County. Learn About Prevention Services Prevention Toolkits

Our Forms New Client Application Adult Services Packet-Mental Health Adult Services Packet-SUD CCBHC Consent Adult Children Services Packet Client Acknowledgment Contract for Payment of Services Consent for Remote Group Sessions People Who Support Me Records Request Release of Information for SUD Release of Information for Mental Health Scheduled Medication Form Sliding Fee Program Application Form Hope Meaningful Life Choices Better Outcomes ​ Finding help may seem difficult, and we're here for you. High-quality, caring, compassionate, and confidential care is available to you. ​ Our Policies Client Rights Consent for Treatment Notice of Privacy Practice General Aggressive Behavior Policy Grievance Procedure HIPAA Statement Smoking & Weapons Policy New Client Application | Client Acknowledgement | Records Request | Release of Information- Substance Abuse Disorder | Release of Information- Mental Health | HIPPA Statements | Client Rights | Grievance Procedure | Consent for Treatment | Smoking & Weapons Policy

Earl Akers, CAHIMS Director, Information Services mailto:eackers@wmmhc.org ​

Caleb's Story I started using when I was 15. I was using marijuana and alcohol. From the get go, I realized that I wasn’t using like everyone around me. I sued a lot more of it and a lot more frequently. My parents sort of became aware of it, and I went to treatment at 16 in Great Falls. I was sober for about six months and didn’t accept that I was an addict. I relapsed really hard for nine years, was just partying as much as I could. I started using other drugs. I partied hard from 16 through 25 and life was going nowhere fast. ​ So I went back to treatment in Portland at 25 and was sober for eight months. I was miserable in my sobriety, just white-knuckling it. So I moved back to Missoula and started using again. My family just kind of put up with it. A lot of times I was working on my own working multiple jobs. I was highly functional. My family knew about it but I was living on my own and there wasn’t anything they could do. My parents are still together. They’ve been married 35 years. My family is full of addicts. ​ I was in the hospital and was detoxing from alcohol. I don’t know what actually caused it but I lost control of my extremities. My fist was so tight, my thumb was turning black. I was shaking. I think I had a panic attack or something. Losing control of my limbs was my rock bottom. I wanted a different, better life and so I decided I would take treatment more seriously this time. ​ I was using and drinking a lot and ending up in the hospital detoxing and just dying literally. So the state intervened and I had a case manager/social worker. They introduced me to my therapist who encouraged me to go to treatment at Recovery Center Missoula. I just ended up here in Feb. of 2017 through March of 2017. As soon as I finished up treatment, I moved into Hands of Hope with George and started working the program and attending meetings. I got a job. I got a sponsor. I got my year clean and now I’m working here. Yeah, George is my boss and my landlord. ​ But what I think is more important is that I worked the program after treatment. I go to meetings, got a sponsor, worked the steps. I definitely credit RCM and Western because they got me the foundation. Now my whole life is recovery basically. My old friends weren’t really my friends. I don’t talk to them. They were just there when I had drugs or money or alcohol. I think I kept one, lifelong friend. All of my friends now are in the program. I have a couple of normy friends who I still talk to. I don’t have time or space for using friends anymore. I was afraid I wouldn’t have fun again when I was in treatment. One of my own beliefs before I was in treatment was that you’re in charge of your own fun at all times. If you’re not having fun, it’s probably your own fault. So I still have lots of fun. I go to movies, I hike, and I go out to coffee. I plan on camping and floating this summer. I still have a lot of fun in recovery. I’m open to hang out with anyone as long as they’re not using around me. I just mostly stick with NA people. They relate to me on such a deep level. We have so much in common and can talk about anything. I can go to a meeting and meet new people, but I have a core group of friends that I hang out with and they’re my everything, except for my family. ​ I did a lot of damage but I’m working a program and I’m no longer doing the damage. I have a sister in Seattle. She’s a normy as far as I can tell and she goes to adult children of alcoholics so she’s working a program too. I have two nephews. One is five and one is two. I worry about them, but they’re too young to know if they’ve got the bug. ​ I didn’t have any signals before I started using but the second I started using, I knew I was definitely a drug addict. I’m not one of those people that was super in denial. I knew people while in treatment who were in denial. As soon as I started using I knew I had to have this more, constantly, all the time. My family is Southern and my dad is retired Army and my mom is retired children’s pastor so pretty strict upbringing. It was pretty adamant to say no to drugs until, you know, I didn’t. I had friends using in middle school and I was very upset with that until my freshman year in high school. I was just curious. Everyone else was doing it. I was tired of being seen as the goody goody. I was also coming out of the closet at the time as a gay person. I noticed that the kids who party were a little more accepting. I thought I’d go hang out with them because they’d protect me. I was bullied a lot. ​ My parents found out when I was 16 that I was gay and my mom and I are really close. She told me she’d known since she was 2. My dad was a little shocked but he came around and they’re really supportive. If I have a boyfriend, I bring him home for dinner. ​ I’ve learned so much in recovery. I’m 28 now. I work nights so my days are kind of crazy. On days I’m not working, I usually hit a meeting. I go to 2-3 a week. I talk to my sponsor several times a week. I do step work using the guide and answer the questions. It varies by whether you’re on NA or AA. I’m going nice and slow. I have friends that are farther along but I’m going slow. They’re all pretty daunting. That’s how you create a new life for yourself by going to meetings. You can stay clean and create a new life for yourself by working the steps. We thought we found something in drugs, but it’s actually in the step work. That’s how you create a new life. ​ I would like to eventually go back to school as a therapist or social worker or something like that. The blind leading the blind. My therapist says the man with one eye is king of the land of the blind. I have a little bit of insight. Working here has been life changing. George is the best. George is like a father-figure to me. I call him Uncle George sometimes. If he’s thinking it, he’s saying it. It’s great. < Previous Story Next Story>