988 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are evidenced-based practices that have proven beneficial for children with autism as well as other children. Interventions are developed to teach new skills and desired behaviors as well as reduce challenging behaviors.
Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD)
A PAD is a legal tool that allows a person with mental illness to state their preferences for treatment in advance of a crisis.
Autism Support Groups
Missoula Asperger’s Support Group
AWARE is a statewide nonprofit organization that offers quality, community-based support for people with mental health and/or developmental disabilities and families with children ages 0 to 8. We serve all 56 counties in Montana.
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Health
NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.
Shodair is creating a healthy and hopeful Montana through specialized psychiatric care for children and adolescents along with a nationally recognized genetics program providing care for all ages.
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, a nonprofit organization, is trusted locally and nationally as a leader in the field of mental health care for children and their families. Each day, YBGR’s employees work with close to 1200 youth throughout Montana who struggle with controlling emotions and behaviors.
Youth Dynamics provides family-focused behavioral health treatment founded on the principles of an actively caring and trauma-sensitive culture in which people can realize their full potential.
Circle of Parents is a support group that provides a friendly, supportive environment facilitated by trained facilitators, but led by parents and other caregivers. Unless noted these groups are for parents of children with special healthcare need.
Butte
Big Horn County
Autism Acceptance and Support Network
Dillon
Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County
Great Falls
Early Intervention Services, also known as Montana Milestones, offers support and guidance for families with infants and toddlers (0-3) who have developmental delays or are at risk for developmental delays. There is no waiting list and no income restrictions for children who meet eligibility criteria.
Developmental Education Assistance Program (DEAP)
Region 1: Miles City, Glendive
Region 2: Great Falls, Shelby, Havre
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Region 3: Billings, Lewistown
Region 4: Butte, Helena, Bozeman
Child Development Center (CDC)
Region 5: Missoula, Kalispell
If you are unsure which region you are in, the map of counties in each region can be found here.
Disability Rights Montana litigates on behalf of individuals with disabilities to insure their rights to employment, education, health care, transportation, housing, and other services.
Family-to-Family, Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit 501(c)(3) hunger and poverty relief organization dedicated to providing food, personal hygiene products and other basic life essentials to American families struggling with the challenges of poverty.
By connecting donors one-to-one with specific families in need, Family-to-Family’s mission is to bring a large and seemingly intractable problem – poverty – into personal focus, making concrete and meaningful results possible…one family at a time.
The MEC provides support, information and tools to families to help them make informed decisions as equal partners in their child’s education.
Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP)
Provides telephone access to Montanans with difficulties using a standard telephone.
MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities.
Pre-Employment and Transition Services
Pre-ETS are activities that provide an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities ages 14-21 to assist with transition from school to postsecondary education or employment.
Children with disabilities may be eligible for social security (SSI) benefits. Please note that children are not eligible for SSDI.
Supported Decision Making (Guardianship)
The philosophy of Supported Decision Making is all individuals should be allowed the least restrictive form of decision-making assistance that takes into account their welfare and safety as well as their opportunity for skill development and growth.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
VRBS promotes opportunities for Montanans with disabilities to have rewarding careers and achieve maximum personal potential.