Construction has begun on a new unit at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center to address the increased need for emergency mental health services in Montana. This unit aims to create a safe and therapeutic environment for adults experiencing any type of mental crisis. Rebecka Pearson, a mental health therapist and founder of Yellowstone Wellness, emphasizes that while there has been progress in mental health services, there is still a long way to go.
Pearson points out the inconvenience faced by individuals needing in-patient mental health specialty care in Gallatin County. Many patients have to seek services outside the area for higher-level care, which has not been readily available in Bozeman until now. The new adult inpatient behavioral health unit, set to serve up to 14 patients, is a significant development in providing specialized care in the local community.
Nicole Madden, the system director for behavioral health at the medical center, highlights the importance of having a care space close to home for those in a mental health crisis. The new unit will eliminate the need for individuals to travel long distances for specialized mental health care, providing a more supportive environment for patients and their families. The 9,100-square-foot unit is designed to be calming and therapeutic, offering a significant improvement in mental health services in the area.
The construction of this unit symbolizes progress in addressing mental health needs in Gallatin County. Madden hopes that the new program will inspire conversations about mental health stigma and lead to further advancements in mental health care in the community. The unit is expected to open in 2025 and is seen as a promising step towards enhancing mental health services and support in the region.