Montana is expanding Crisis Now, a locally driven mental health crisis response system, to provide more options for residents in crisis.

Officials advise that 988 should not always be the first option; when appropriate, trusted supports like family, friends, healthcare providers, and clergy should be considered first.

In Helena, behavioral specialists may respond with or without law enforcement, meeting people wherever they are—on roads, at home, or at schools.

The program includes 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline access, with 88% of calls in 2025 resolved over the phone according to the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

Crisis responses center on three components—988 access, mobile crisis response, and crisis centers—with a focus on de-escalation and directing people to appropriate resources.

Journey Home in Helena operates as a walk-in outpatient crisis center run by Many Rivers Whole Health, offering stays under 24 hours as a mental health emergency department to redirect from busy physical health facilities, with plans for longer stays in the future.

Mobile Crisis Response Teams provide 24/7 in-person assistance, with responders like Kayla Morris aiming to reach crises within two minutes and de-escalate situations to free up law enforcement.

There are at least five crisis centers in Montana, including Journey Home, with plans to open six more across the state.

Crisis Now is active or developing in 39 counties and four tribal nations, with communities tailoring solutions to local needs.