Behavioral Health
Under The Big Sky
Suicide. Substance use. Incarceration. Child abuse and neglect. Public health is being called upon by community leaders and elected officials struggling to address these challenges. The Montana Public Health Institute is committed to supporting local and tribal public health departments to build capacity in behavioral health to reduce the rates of substance use and mental health issues.
Public health works across the behavioral health continuum of care to improve outcomes. Public health is well positioned to deliver prevention programming while bringing together sectors to collaborate in crisis diversion, treatment and recovery efforts.
As behavioral health continues to appear on every Community Health Assessment, see how these Montana Local and Tribal Health Departments are leading community efforts to address suicide, drug overdose, and other behavioral health priorities.
Prevention
Prevention in the behavioral health continuum of care refers to strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the risk of developing? mental health and substance abuse disorders. It includes various levels of prevention as outlined below:
Resources
Prevention/Building Resilience Resource: The Federal Plan for Equitable Long-Term Recovery and Resilience lays out a government-wide approach to improve well-being and long-term resilience.
Why and how to invest in health departments to address behavioral health.
Crisis Diversion
Individuals experiencing behavioral health crisis have higher rates of incarceration, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Community coalitions are identifying ways to provide the right services, at the right time, and in the right place to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis through the Crisis Now Framework.
Public health is leading crisis diversion work across Montana as a way to address Community Health Improvement Priorities involving mental health and substance use. To learn more watch this short video. https://youtu.be/9ODrcNBBv-g
Treatment
Behavioral health treatment includes a range of services and supports that aim to address the mental health and substance abuse needs of individuals. Treatment ranges from inpatient and outpatient services to residential treatment. Public health typically is not a provider of treatment services but frequently engages in community conversations to identify gaps and improve equitable access to services that will improve health outcomes for all.
Recovery
Recovery refers to the process of regaining and maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves moving from a state of illness or addiction to a state of optimal functioning and personal growth. It focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health and lives, promoting self-determination, and fostering resilience and social connection.
Public health can foster resilience in their communities through addressing the essential conditions that affect health and well-being, such as stable housing, transportation, education, and employment. Individuals with their basic needs met can focus on maintaining recovery.
