Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - General

Is there a location near me?

CMH has staff in Boulder, Chinook, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Lincoln, Shelby, Townsend, and White Sulphur Springs. Click on "Locations" on the toolbar for a map.

How do I get an appointment?

Apply for services by downloading an application form and submitting it to a location near you. If it is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What ages do you serve?

Our clients' ages vary from toddlers to senior citizens, as well as everyone in between.

What disorders do you usually treat?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates one out of four Americans have one or more diagnosable mental disorder. The Center primarily focuses on treating the 1 in 17 (6%) who have a Serious and Disabling Mental Illnesses (SDMI) like serious emotional disturbance (SED), schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression and PTSD.

The Center employs psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, masters level therapists, case managers, therapeutic aides, and peers to assist clients in developing a treatment plan. Diagnoses are made using the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The following are some common diagnoses.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Specific Phobias i.e. agoraphobia, claustrophobia, social phobia, etc.

ATTENTION HYPERACTIVITY DEFICIT DISORDER (ADHD)

CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS (Dual Diagnosis with addiction/substance abuse)

EATING DISORDERS

Anorexia
Bulimina Nervosa
Binge eating
Orthorexia

MOOD DISORDERS

Bipolar Disorder
Dysthymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) aka "winter blues"

PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Antisocial Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder

OTHER DISORDERS

Adjustment Disorder
Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Factitious disorders
Sexual and gender disorders
Somatoform disorders (psychosomatic)
Tic Disorders (i.e. Tourrette's Syndrome)

"The longest journey begins with the first step." ~Chinese proverb

Are you a nonprofit?

Yes. We are designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. You are entitled to a tax deduction to the fullest extent of the law. Certain charitable gifts made to our qualified endowment may also be eligible for the MT Tax Credit. Contact the CMH Foundation for more information.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, VA, and sliding scale options are available. If you are uninsured, you may be eligible for the Montana Mental Health Services Plan (MHSP). See application for payment source information or visit the office nearest you.

How do you handle my confidential health information?

CMH takes the privacy of our clients very seriously. Review our Notice of Privacy Practices required by HIPAA laws upon arrival. For further information please request our Patient Bill of Rights and Treatment Information.

What is the history of Center for Mental Health?

The Center was established in 1974 to serve the nine county "Golden Triangle" region in Northcentral Montana. In 1997, the Center began providing services to Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties, and with the addition of Meagher County in 2005, expanded the total area to 13 counties. In 2006, we changed our name from Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Center to Center for Mental Health.

What is the history of the Largent School building?

Largent School was established in 1917. The flu epidemic almost prevented Great Falls' first Junior High School from opening in 1918. Eventually, the "The Junior High" became an elementary school and was named after S.D. Largent, the first Superindent of Schools in Great Falls. Later, the building was used for adult/alternative school. In 2003, CMH launched its "Cultivating the Garden Within" capital campaign and re-dedicated the building in 2005 to Beautiful Minds past and present.

The MT Contractors' Association awarded general contractor James Talcott Construction with the "Best Historic Renovation Award" in 2005. The History Museum presented C4MH with the "Historic Building Preservation" Award in 2006.

How do I learn more about mental illness?

Mental illness is real and can afflict anyone at anytime. People suffering from these treatable diseases often do not recognize them for what they are.

Some signs that may indicate a mental illness and a need to get help:

Marked personality change
Difficulty coping with problems and daily activities
Strange or grand ideas
Excessive worries
Prolonged depression and apathy
Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Thinking or talking about suicide
Extreme mood highs or lows
Abuse of alcohol or other drugs
Excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior

A person displaying one or more of these warning signs should be evaluated by a mental health professional as soon as possible.

How a Family Can Help
Many times families and friends feel helpless and uncertain about how to help a loved one with a mental illness. Perhaps the biggest help you can provide is to show consistent support and encourage professional treatment. This is important. Some disorders can cause your loved one to be unable to see himself or herself as ill. Or, the individual may realize there is a problem, but is unwilling to seek help on his or her own. Understanding the illness can prevent much suffering. Know that the family is not to blame.

You should . . .

Encourage and support professional help; you may also find it helpful to consult with a mental health professional yourself on how you can best cope with the situation
Learn about the illness, its causes, symptoms and treatment; know the behaviors that are caused by this particular illness
Find out what the realistic expectations are for your loved one; this helps avoid disappointment and a sense of failure
Help the individual manage the illness by:
- being emotionally supportive and patient
- keeping the relationship as unchanged as possible
- expressing compassion for what the person is experiencing without claiming to understand it
- talking honestly about feelings and problems
- remaining available, although your loved one's behavior may be withdrawn and rejecting
- encouraging times for being with family and friends while respecting the need for time alone
- encouraging your loved one to do as much as he or she can, and give assistance when needed

You should refrain from . . .

Blaming the person for being ill
Criticizing, nagging or finding fault with the person while he or she is ill -- this may lower the persons self-esteem
Encouraging dependency by making decisions for the individual or performing tasks the person can accomplish
Taking behavior of the individual personally

Remember . . .

It's essential to take care of your own emotional and physical needs
Your genuine, caring concern is important
Mental illness can happen to anyone; no one is to blame

If you or someone you know appears to be suffering from a mental illness, call for help.

Advances in recovery from mental illness are being made every day. To learn more, visit one of our partners listed here.

How do I find other services I might need?

People with mental health issues may also need assistance with medication, food, clothing and shelter. Our partnering agencies can be found in any county using the Montana 211 website www.montana211.org or by simply dialing 2-1-1.

Why does Montana rank among the top states for suicide?

Per capita, Montana has ranked among the top states for its suicide rates for many years. There is no simple explanation. We share similar geographical challenges with most of the states ranking top 10: Alaska, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada. We are all Rocky Mountain states with dark winters, high altitude, social isolation, and less access to social services.

DEPRESSION IS TREATABLE. SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE

If you are in crisis and want help, call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

American Academy of Suicidology

Montana's Warmline

MT's Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Voices of Hope

Is there really a shortage of providers?

Montana is designated a Healthcare Providers Shortage Area. View a HPSA map by county.

What do all these confusing acronyms mean anyway?

USEFUL ACRONYMS