In a broken mental health system, a tiny jail cell becomes the institution of last resort

In a broken mental health system, a tiny jail cell becomes the institution of last resort • Daily Montanan

The Lake County jail has two roughly 30-square-foot cells used to isolate prisoners, including people in a mental health crisis. Some are held there for months as they wait for an open bed at the Montana State Hospital. (Photo by Katheryn Houghton/KFF Health News)POLSON — When someone accused of a crime in this small northwestern Montana town needs mental health care, chances are they’ll be locked in a basement jail cell the size of a walk-in cl…

In a broken mental health system, a tiny jail cell becomes the institution of last resort

POLSON — When someone accused of a crime in this small northwestern Montana town needs mental health care, chances are they’ll be locked in a basement jail cell the size of a walk-in closet. Prisoners, some held in this isolation…

Montana lawmakers approve $124M to revamp behavioral health system

Montana’s frayed behavioral health care system, still recovering from the effects of past budget cuts, will get a shot in the arm after state lawmakers approved sweeping changes to upgrade and expand facilities, increase community services, and revise commitment procedures.

Montana Lawmakers Approve $124M To Revamp Behavioral Health System

HELENA, Mont. — Montana’s frayed behavioral health care system, still recovering from the effects of past budget cuts, will get a shot in the arm after state lawmakers approved sweeping changes to upgrade and expand facilities, increase community services, and revise commitment procedures. Lawmakers backed the bulk of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s multimillion-dollar vision to bolster and expand the system, which has experienced waitlists for…