Barriers to Mental Health Care Access in Montana: A Survey Insight
A recent survey by Montana Free Press and Eagleton has revealed significant barriers to mental health care access in Montana, primarily stemming from cost and insurance coverage issues. Conducted from December 2025 to January 2026, the poll found that 67% of respondents view the expense of services as a major hurdle, surpassing concerns about stigma and travel distance, noted by 42% and 47% respectively.
Mental health issues, including addiction, are widespread in Montana, which ranked second nationwide for suicide rates in 2023 according to the CDC. The state's rural geography exacerbates access challenges, as residents often travel long distances for healthcare. Furthermore, the unavailability of certain local behavioral health services complicates access.
The survey also uncovered gender differences in perceived stigma, with 50% of women, compared to 35% of men, identifying it as a significant barrier. Regardless of these variations, cost and insurance coverage remain the primary concerns across demographics.
Insurance coverage in Montana is varied: 43% of respondents reported having employer-based health coverage, 29% were under Medicare, and 6% were covered by Medicaid. A KFF report from 2021 highlighted that Montanans with mental health diagnoses under employer health plans face higher annual costs—$8,800 compared to $3,800 for those without such diagnoses.
Brenda Kneeland, CEO of Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center, highlighted that many patients struggle with insurance coverage gaps due to documentation issues causing Medicaid disenrollment. She noted that even those with employer-sponsored insurance face challenges, as coverage for behavioral health services can be limited.
Matt Kuntz of NAMI Montana observed a reduction in stigma over the past decade, partly due to increased awareness among military veterans and their families. He noted a positive shift in public discourse on mental health.
State initiatives aim to tackle these issues. Governor Greg Gianforte has introduced programs to enhance access to mental health and addiction treatment, such as the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations and the Angel Initiative, which collaborates with law enforcement to guide individuals towards treatment services. The Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll, which surveyed 801 registered voters with a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points, aims to illuminate public opinion on mental health policy challenges in the state.