Mental health is an important part of maintaining overall well-being. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness can make it difficult for individuals to seek help. But the good news is that there are numerous resources available in Missoula to help those who need it. Today we’ll explore some of the various support services that are available to all members of our community, including the homeless population, students at the University of Montana, seniors, and kids.
Homeless Population in Missoula
https://thepoverellocenter.org/
The Poverello Center offers a wide range of services to the homeless population in Missoula, including a soup kitchen, food pantry, and emergency shelter. In addition, the center also provides case management services, job training programs, and assistance with finding permanent housing.
The Poverello Center has been a lifesaver for many in Missoula who are struggling to get back on their feet.
Despite the Poverello Center’s success, funding remains a constant challenge. The center relies heavily on donations from the community and grants from local foundations, and securing funding can be a difficult and competitive process. Despite these challenges, the Poverello Center remains committed to serving those in need and finding new ways to address homelessness in the area.
The city of Missoula has shown its support for the Poverello Center and its mission. City officials have worked closely with the center to provide funding and resources, and community members have come together to donate time, money, and supplies. The Poverello Center’s efforts have received widespread recognition and support, and its positive impact on the community is undeniable.
University of Montana Students
Curry Health Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility located in the heart of Missoula, MT that provides essential services to the students of the University of Montana and Missoula College, as well as to the wider community. One of the center’s most vital offerings is its counseling services department.
The department provides a confidential and inclusive environment for students to address their personal, behavioral, and mental health needs. The team of licensed counselors, social workers, psychologists, and graduate students are equipped to handle the concerns and goals of a diverse community, as every student faces a unique set of stressors and challenges throughout their college career.
https://www.umt.edu/curry-health-center/counseling/
Elderly Population in Missoula
The Senior Citizen’s Resource Center helps Missoula’s elderly population stay health by offering a wide array of events for elderly individuals who may be struggling with depression or anxiety or other mental health issues. And this is not a joke! Check out these activities – ranging from Oula to Bingo to dancing:
http://www.themissoulaseniorcenter.org/activities
http://www.themissoulaseniorcenter.org/
The Missoula Food Bank
The Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, a Western Montana non-profit, offers a unique program aimed at supporting seniors and individuals living with disabilities. Known as the Fresh Food Box, the program delivers fresh, affordable food directly to the doorsteps of qualifying participants on the last Thursday of each month.
Participants have the option to choose between a small box, priced at $7 or $3.50 with SNAP benefits, and a large box, priced at $15 or $7.50 with SNAP benefits. Payments can be made through a variety of methods, including check, cash, card, or SNAP.
This program provides an opportunity for individuals to make the most of their SNAP benefits, receiving fresh and frozen foods at the lowest possible prices, with no markup added to the cost. Additionally, the first delivery is free for all Fresh Food Box participants. The Missoula Food Bank & Community Center is dedicated to ensuring that every person has access to nutritious and affordable food options.
We are so lucky to have programs like these in Missoula – they really do help with our mental health as we pay attention to our seniors and help them in every way we can. It’s a reflection of who we are.
https://missoulafoodbank.org/get-food/senior-programs/fresh-food-box-program
Kids
For children struggling with their mental health needs, there are several options in Missoula dedicated specifically to providing them with the best possible care and support available. The Child Development Center provides early intervention services for children ages who are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities due to various medical conditions or environmental factors such as poverty or abuse/neglect concerns.
The Child Development Center is a shining example of how a nonprofit organization can make a positive impact in a community. The center’s commitment to providing children and families with the support they need to thrive is commendable, and its efforts to ensure that every child has access to the opportunities and experiences they need to reach their full potential is truly inspiring.
Sunflower Counseling MT
Sunflower Counseling MT, a well-regarded therapy and counseling center based in Missoula, Montana, offers a range of services aimed at promoting the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals of all ages. With a team of highly skilled therapists who are both supportive and encouraging, Sunflower Counseling has earned a reputation for providing a safe, non-judgmental and trauma-informed environment for those in need of mental health support.
The therapists specialize in a variety of integrative counseling techniques, designed to meet the unique needs of each individual they serve. From children to seniors, the team at Sunflower Counseling works to foster each person’s potential while helping them navigate the various challenges they may face. Whether dealing with trauma, stress, or other mental health concerns, the therapists at Sunflower Counseling are dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential and live fulfilling lives.
In addition to their counseling services, Sunflower Counseling also offers teletherapy options for those who may not be able to visit their physical location. With a commitment to making mental health care accessible to all, the center has become a valuable resource for individuals across Montana seeking support and guidance.
Sunflower Counseling’s phone: 406 214-3810.
Conclusion
Mental health is an integral part of our overall wellbeing that should never be overlooked or ignored; there are a wide variety of resources available in Missoula that can provide support regardless of age or circumstance. Whether it’s counseling services at the Poverello Center catering towards homeless individuals, short-term individual therapy sessions at the University of Montana’s Counseling Department, or Sunflower Counseling’s commitment to making MT a loving and healthy place – we are getting access to quality care when it comes to addressing mental health needs in Missoula.
John Michaels is a local Missoula author who graduated from Brown University in creative writing. In between raising kids, he spends his time meandering around downtown Missoula, writing screenplays, playing chess, and writing blogs for Sunflower Counseling, MT.