WMMHC adds new programs

“Things are looking up for us,” said Abby Harnett, Executive Director for Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC). Not long ago, WMMHC had financial worries, but with a lot of creativity and hard work, Harnett is elated to announce two new programs the center will provide to the community. A substance abuse program and peer support services will be implemented by WMMHC as soon as the new employment positions are filled.

WMMHC has successfully applied to the State of Montana for licensure to provide substance abuse treatment for both adult and youth clients, supporting their road to recovery, according to Harnett. “Now, we can really focus on the co-occurring pieces of the two (mental health and substance abuse) together,” she stated, adding that it will be a real asset for residents to have closer-to-home substance abuse treatment service options.

The same substance abuse treatment program practiced in other WMMHC locations will be implemented locally. These models have proven to be successful and will be applied here in Sanders County as well, “without us having to reinvent the wheel,” Harnett said. All WMMHC applied Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services utilize evidence-based interventions to promote a healing recovery processes for adults, adolescents and their families, according to Harnett.

The SUD program will be suitable for fulfilling legal sentences requiring Assessment, Course and Treatment (ACT) for convicted drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The program will also provide services for Misdemeanor Dangerous Drug (MDD) intervention for individuals who have received a MDD citation and Minor in Possession (MIP) classes to youth under 18 years of age who have been convicted of illegal possession of alcohol.

Peer support services will be provided by an individual who has had personal life experiences in the mental and/or substance abuse arena. WMMHC feels this provides a personal approach when supporting clients within the peer support services program. “People with mental and/or substance use disorders have a unique capacity to help each other based on a shared affiliation and a deep understanding of this experience,” WMMHC states.

The peer support services program will provide members with life skills groups, links to resources and services, support during crises, illness management, recovery group support and transportation as needed.

“It really is all about access,” Harnett shared. “We want to provide quick and accessible access here while providing good care to locals in our community.” WMMHC is working to provide inclusive services limiting the amount of travel time locals need to spend getting quality care. They provide the following outpatient services to both adults, adolescents and families: substance abuse disorder assessments, outpatient and intensive outpatient therapy (group and individual sessions), relapse prevention and substance use disorder day treatment.

Harnett stated that the center is really looking forward to getting these programs started. As soon as a Care Coordinator and Peer Support Specialist are hired, they will be able to fully implement these new programs. Information on these positions can be viewed at wmmhc.org or at Thompson Falls Job Services. Harnett can be contact at (406) 532-9190 for more information about the programs or employment opportunities offered through WMMHC.