Initiative to Expand Mental Health Supports for Rural and Tribal Schools in Montana

MTPLC Leads Initiative to Expand Mental Health Supports for Rural and Tribal Schools in Montana
The Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC), in partnership with STOPit Solutions and the Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA), has announced the launch of the Expanding Montana Rural Student Mental Health Supports initiative. Funded by a STOP School Violence Act Grant through June 30, 2027, this project aims to deliver comprehensive mental health resources to underserved rural, tribal, and frontier schools in Montana, addressing significant inequities in school-based mental health support.
The initiative builds on the success of the Montana Cares Program, which currently serves over 25,000 students and families, and will extend these critical services to additional students and their school communities.
Key components of the initiative include:
● Montana Cares App: A 24/7 digital platform providing immediate access to crisis counselors and local resources for continuous and appropriate support.
● Resource Navigator: Local support to connect students, families, and schools with essential mental health services.
● Expanded Teletherapy Services: Secure teletherapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals to overcome geographic barriers.
● Live Climate and Culture Programming: Through Rachel’s Challenge, schools will benefit from live events fostering, kindness, and positive school environments.
● Enhanced Wellness and Resiliency Training: Trauma-informed care, wellness training, and curriculum to empower educators and promote mental wellness and resiliency.

“This initiative is transformative for Montana’s rural and tribal schools,” said Jessica Johnson, Executive Director at MTPLC. “It’s not just about bringing resources to underserved areas—it’s
about creating a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our students and school communities.”
Dr. Cindy Fouhy, Director of Mental Health Resources at MTPLC, emphasized the importance of reducing barriers: “By integrating innovative tools like the Montana Cares App and expanding
teletherapy services, we are reducing barriers to mental health resources across the state.”
STOPit Solutions’ CEO, Parkhill Mays, highlighted the collaboration’s impact: “At STOPit Solutions, we are proud to work alongside MTPLC and MSSA to bring critical safety and
wellness tools to Montana’s most underserved schools. Together, we’re addressing urgent mental health needs and creating a foundation for healthier, safer school environments.”
With support from the Montana Small Schools Alliance, this initiative leverages a statewide network of partners to deliver real-time resources and foster community collaboration. The
project’s five-year funding term ensures sustained support through June 30, 2027, enabling schools to address systemic barriers and provide equitable mental health services to their
students.

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