Today marks a watershed moment for mental health care in Montana.
As CEO of Frontier Psychiatry, I’m thrilled to announce that Montana will become the first state in the nation to provide free, evidence-based digital mental health interventions to all youth across our state through Project YES (Youth Empowerment & Support). This groundbreaking initiative comes at a critical time. Montana faces one of the nation’s highest adolescent suicide rates, with approximately 43.3% of our youth reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. With 51 of 56 Montana counties designated as mental health professional shortage areas, we desperately need innovative approaches to reach young people in crisis.
What Are Single-Session Interventions (SSIs)?
At the heart of Project YES are single-session digital interventions (SSIs) – scientifically validated mental health tools designed to deliver meaningful support in just 10 minutes. Each intervention functions as a standalone experience where youth walk away with a concrete lesson, skill, or plan to support their mental health.
These aren’t watered-down versions of traditional therapy. Rather, they’re precision-engineered mental health tools developed by Dr. Jessica Schleider and her team at Northwestern University’s Lab for Scalable Mental Health, designed specifically to address common mental health challenges faced by adolescents.
SSIs work by targeting specific cognitive processes and behavioral patterns associated with depression and anxiety. In a single, focused session, they help young people: Challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress Develop adaptive coping strategies for managing difficult emotions Build resilience through evidence-based psychological principles Create immediate action plans for managing mental health challenges
Research has consistently shown that these brief interventions can produce meaningful improvements in mental health symptoms, particularly for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
Why Single-Session Interventions Matter
In our rural state, where many families live hours from the nearest mental health provider, SSIs represent a practical solution to a complex problem. They offer several unique advantages:
Accessibility Traditional mental health care often requires multiple in-person sessions over weeks or months – a significant barrier for families in remote areas or those with limited resources. SSIs can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected device.
Immediacy When a young person is struggling, waiting weeks for an appointment can feel impossible. SSIs provide immediate support when it’s needed most.
Privacy Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help, especially in close-knit rural communities. The anonymity of digital interventions allows youth to seek support without fear of judgment.
Scientific Validation Unlike many mental health apps on the market, Project YES interventions have been rigorously tested with thousands of adolescents nationwide, consistently demonstrating effectiveness in reducing mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety symptoms.
Complementing, Not Replacing Traditional Care It’s important to emphasize that SSIs are not meant to replace comprehensive mental health treatment for those with severe conditions. Rather, they serve several crucial functions within our mental health ecosystem:
Early intervention tool: By providing support at the first signs of distress, SSIs can prevent escalation to more serious conditions.
Bridge to higher levels of care: For youth who need more intensive services, SSIs can provide immediate support while they wait to connect with a provider.
Supplement to traditional therapy: For those already receiving care, SSIs offer additional support between sessions.
Gateway to mental health services: Research shows that positive experiences with brief interventions can increase willingness to engage with other mental health services when needed.
By meeting youth where they are – online – with evidence-based tools that respect their autonomy and developmental needs, we can reach young people who might otherwise never access mental health support.
A Collaborative Approach to a Complex Problem
Project YES exemplifies what’s possible when diverse stakeholders unite around a common goal. This initiative brings together:
- The State of Montana through the Montana Access to Pediatric Psychiatry Network (MAPP-NET)
- Northwestern University’s Lab for Scalable Mental Health providing the scientific expertise and digital interventions
- Koko, a youth mental health nonprofit with experience deploying digital mental health tools at scale
- Montana Pediatrics, ensuring the interventions are tailored to Montana’s unique needs
- Frontier Psychiatry, leveraging our telehealth expertise to reach Montana’s most underserved communities
The development process itself is innovative, with Montana youth directly participating in asynchronous focus groups to ensure the digital tools authentically address their lived experiences and challenges.
Frontier Psychiatry: Leading the Way in Rural Mental Health Innovation
At Frontier Psychiatry, we’ve been at the forefront of expanding mental health access since our founding in 2020. As Montana’s largest outpatient psychiatric practice, we’ve pioneered telehealth approaches to overcome geographic barriers and provider shortages in rural communities. Project YES aligns perfectly with our mission of using technology and evidence-based approaches to reach underserved populations. By integrating these digital interventions into existing healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations, we can significantly expand our impact.
This initiative represents just one facet of our comprehensive approach to rural mental health innovation:
- Collaborative care models that empower primary care providers to manage mental health conditions with psychiatric support
- Telehealth services that eliminate geographic barriers to specialized care
- Provider education to build mental health capacity throughout rural healthcare systems
- Workforce development initiatives to address the severe shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas
Why This Matters for Montana Families
Consider a 15-year-old in a remote part of Montana who’s feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. The nearest mental health provider might be hours away, appointment wait times could stretch into months, and the stigma of seeking help in a small town where everyone knows each other presents yet another barrier.
Project YES offers this teen an immediate, private way to access evidence-based support – without requiring parental involvement, transportation, insurance, or even disclosing their identity. In just 10 minutes, they can learn concrete skills to manage their anxiety and, critically, understand that help is available if they need more support. For parents concerned about their child’s mental health, these tools provide a non-threatening entry point to discuss emotional wellbeing and can help families determine when additional professional support might be needed.
Looking Ahead: A Model for National Impact
While Project YES begins in Montana, its implications extend far beyond our borders. Mental health provider shortages affect communities nationwide, particularly in rural areas, and digital innovations like these hold tremendous promise for addressing this crisis.
As the first state to implement this approach, Montana is creating a blueprint that others can follow. The lessons learned here – about implementation, engagement, and effectiveness in diverse communities – will inform similar efforts across the country. At Frontier Psychiatry, we’re proud to be part of this pioneering effort. By combining innovative technology, rigorous science, and deep understanding of local needs, we’re working to ensure that no young person in Montana has to face mental health challenges alone.
Implementation planning for Project YES is currently underway, with a launch date to be announced soon. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved in the dissemination efforts, please reach out to us at Frontier Psychiatry.
The youth mental health crisis demands bold, innovative approaches. With Project YES, Montana is taking a crucial step forward in ensuring that evidence-based mental health support is available to every young person who needs it – regardless of where they live or their family’s resources.
We believe this model represents the future of mental healthcare: accessible, evidence-based, youth-centered, and integrated into the communities where young people live and learn.
