Roosevelt Medical, Culbertson School Bring New Services To Students
Roosevelt Medical Center and Culbertson High School are partnering to launch a school-based behavioral health program designed to provide comprehensive behavioral health support to students. The initiative is being funded through a two-year state grant through the Montana Healthcare Foundation and will provide students with access to a licensed mental health professional during school hours, on campus.
Roosevelt Medical Center received $150,000 and Culbertson School received $50,000.
This collaboration is a strategic response to the increasing need for mental health services in the school setting and will provide access to quality, convenient behavioral health services for students and their families in a safe, familiar place.
By integrating RMC’s expertise in behavioral health with the school’s commitment to students’ well-being, the goal is to create a seamless support system for students facing emotional and psychological challenges.
On Fridays, Amy Harling, RMC’s licensed social worker candidate, will be available at CHS in a discreetly located office dedicated to counseling students. To see her, students will first speak to Courtney Forbregd, the school’s guidance counselor. She will then notify parents and ensure the consent process is completed. Students will then be scheduled for a counseling session. “It’s important for parents and guardians to know they will be informed and involved with this process, without any surprises,” Forbregd said. Counseling sessions are billed through the clinic and are most often covered through insurance plans and Medicaid.
Harling will offer a range of services including individual and group counseling, crises intervention and will develop support plans for students. If there is a need, she may extend her time at the school additionally, to half-days on Thursdays, as more students seek counseling. “This program will help identify and address a student’s mental health issues early, reducing the risk of more severe problems developing over time. It will also promote a culture of understanding and acceptance, reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek help when they need it,” said Amy Harling, LSWC.
The program will allow for a more holistic approach to student health. It will enable the collaboration between educators, parents and a mental health professional to create individualized support plans that address each student’s unique needs. This collaborative effort will ensure that students receive consistent and comprehensive care, which is essential to their overall development and well-being.
“In today’s fast-paced and often stressful environment, students face many challenges that can range from academic pressures and social dynamics to personal and family issues. Without proper support, these issues can lead to decreased academic performance, behavioral problems and long-term mental health concerns,” said Nicole Simonsen, superintendent of CHS. “This program is an investment in the future of our students and ensures that they have the necessary resources to thrive both academically and personally,” she added.
The school is using its grant dollars on staff education and development. “We need to train and empower our staff to recognize behavioral health signs and symptoms in a way that ensures they can meet the unique challenges facing students today. Teachers are often the first to notice changes in a student’s behavior or mood. With training and resources, they can play a critical role in identifying and addressing concerns early on, creating a more supportive school environment,” Simonsen said.
Roosevelt Medical Center is using its’ funding to cover the cost of professional counseling services, educational materials and supplies for students and families.
The Montana Health Network encouraged both RMC and CHS to apply based on the area’s higher rate of mental health challenges.
According to the Roosevelt County Community Health Needs Assessment conducted in 2023, 41 percent of area youth experienced symptoms of depression in the last year and 26 percent reported not having good mental health in the past 30 days. Twenty-four percent had considered suicide in the last year. Since the last Community Health Assessment in 2015, youth in Roosevelt County are more likely to report symptoms of depression, an increase from 15 percent of high school students in 2015 to 41 percent in 2021.
Last year, RMC kicked off a small initiative called Snacks and Chats to begin to address the behavioral health needs of youth while creating a safe space for them to work through problems. The youth resiliency program is held several times a month at town hall and event dates are posted on RMC’s Face book page. The program provides a place where youth can get together and talk about issues among peers in a confidential and nurturing environment. A certified counselor is available to guide the conversations when needed. Students who attend the free, hour-long events also play games, have snacks, and win prizes. Students in grades 6th through 12th are welcome to attend. It is free and no rsvp is needed. The pilot program was funded through a Vincent Gaffney Foundation grant.
“Roosevelt Medical Center has a longstanding commitment to improving community health and we recognize that the mental health and wellness of youth is a vital component of this mission. These initiatives align with our goal of fostering a healthier, more resilient community,” said Jamason Schmidt, CEO, of RMC.
For more information, or to schedule your student for a counseling session, contact Amy Harling at RMC at 406-787-6432, or Courtney Forbregd at Culbertson School at 406-787-6241.
