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Contact: Brianne Rogers

Therapeutic environment enhances services for patients with acute behavioral health needs

BOZEMAN, MT [November 30, 2022] — Bozeman Health is proud to announce our new Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) area will open to patients on Monday, Dec. 5. Located adjacent to the emergency department at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, the area is designed to deliver an enhanced level of care that provides a calming and therapeutic environment for patients experiencing acute behavioral health needs in our community.

Earlier today, Bozeman Health leadership and community partners discussed the importance of this investment in the regional behavioral health continuum while touring the new space.

“Bozeman Health is proud to deliver this vital, therapeutic care environment for our community,” said Dr. Kathryn Bertany, Bozeman Health interim president and CEO. “The health system continues its commitment to providing large portions of the behavioral health continuum, including integrated behavioral health in our clinics, outpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization in our PES area, and inpatient psychiatry and hospitalization.”

“The City was eager to partner with Bozeman Health on this project, which allowed us to direct part of our CARES funding to an urgent community need: behavioral health emergency care,” shared Bozeman Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham. “Spaces like these support the wellbeing of the community by providing expert, compassionate care for those in crisis.”

“We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the City of Bozeman and generous donors,” said Dr. Anne Thomas, behavioral health medical director for Bozeman Health. “We are confident that this new care environment will improve patient outcomes under the expert care of our talented multi-disciplinary teams.”

“The Sheriff's Office and the County Commission have been longstanding partners with the Mental Health Community here in Gallatin County,” shared Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “While this facility provides a much needed service to individuals, it will also alleviate pressure on the criminal justice system, the deputies on the street, and our detention center.”

The PES area can serve up to five patients at a time and comprises two single occupancy rooms and a three-patient community milieu area. This new patient care area is dedicated to behavioral health services and optimizes clinical space to support safety and an environment conducive to stabilization.

Bozeman Health was able to effectively recruit a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team made up of three full-time crisis intervention specialists, a full time peer support specialist, psychiatric patient care technicians, registered nurses, as well as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. These team members provide 24/7 coverage with evaluations and therapeutic support for those seeking care for a behavioral health crisis as well as provide consult on medication management.

In November 2021, the City of Bozeman awarded Bozeman Health $325,000 in COVID-19 relief dollars to support the construction of the PES area. The funding provided by the City contributed to the construction and design of the PES, as well as supported recruitment and retention of key members of the care team. Total project costs and staffing reflect a $2 million investment in crisis care this year.