Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch has acquired a property near Belgrade as part of its initiative to expand mental health services for youth in southwest Montana. Kirsten Smith, executive director of Lighthouse Ranch, highlighted that while outpatient care is accessible in Gallatin County, there is a significant shortfall in crisis care.

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"If you need outpatient support, that exists and we have great providers in our community, but when a kid or young person experiences a crisis, that's where things really fall apart locally," Smith said.

The organization aims to have outpatient services operational at the new campus by the end of 2026. These services will include case management, outpatient therapy, and therapeutic youth mentoring. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to support renovations and to facilitate the future opening of inpatient and residential services.

According to CEO Mike Chavers, the Billings center receives approximately 150 referrals each month but can only accommodate 15 to 18 youth. Many others are referred out of state, which poses challenges for families who must decide between visiting their child, maintaining long-distance support, or relocating.

"This campus really creates the opportunity for us to begin to provide those services, to capture more of those opportunities to serve kids right in their home and in their community," Chavers stated.

Smith emphasized that effective treatment requires keeping support connected to school, friends, and family. She noted a lack of adequate resources to help young people avoid higher levels of care or transition smoothly from them.

According to a report from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana has consistently ranked among the top five states for suicide rates over the past 30 years. From 2011 to 2022, the suicide rate for young people aged 15 to 24 was more than double the national average.

"I hope this makes a positive difference for some young people as we start to really gain momentum and get services on the ground," Smith remarked. Several nonprofits, including HRDC and the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition, have supported this initiative. For more information, visit Lighthouse Ranch. The 988 crisis hotline is also available for those in need of support.