Our Story

Founded on the principle of creating long-lasting change, BIG SKY Treatment emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional therapy in the state of Montana. Our outpatient treatment center has evolved into a haven for immersive, action-based therapy, providing immediate and lasting results for those seeking a new path forward.

smiling man in a modern kitchen reflecting the welcoming environment at big sky treatment
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contented young woman with curly hair exemplifying the supportive community at big sky treatment.
contented young woman with curly hair exemplifying the supportive community at big sky treatment.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to redefine mental health and addiction recovery, embracing a unified vision of effective healing. At BIG SKY Treatment, we extend our reach beyond the individual, offering resources and support to schools, counselors, companies, and families, collectively tackling the challenges of mental health and substance abuse in Montana.

Our Values

Our company values revolve around compassionate and unwavering support for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. We prioritize empathy, dignity, and respect in every interaction, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for healing and recovery. We are committed to promoting holistic wellness, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives with courage and resilience.

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TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIFE

Simply reach out to our admissions team for a free consultation. Everything is private and confidential. We’re here to help, answer questions, and listen. Calls answered 24/7.

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Friends, Families, and Valued Community,

As the CEO of BIG SKY Treatment, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to all who seek solace and support in their journey toward mental wellness and freedom from addiction.

At BIG SKY, we understand the immense courage it takes to embark on the path of recovery, both for the individual and their loved ones. That’s why our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to every individual who walks through our doors.

Our treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practices tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. From our skilled clinicians to our supportive staff, every member of our team is passionate about empowering our patients to reclaim their lives and rediscover hope.

To the families and loved ones of our patients, we recognize the trust you place in us. Rest assured, we are here to support both you and your loved one every step of the way. Through education, counseling, and ongoing communication, we strive to foster healing and understanding within the family unit.

dr. duke vinson, dbh, lcpc, lac, mac, ccmhc, ccs, dot-sap

Beyond our clinical services, BIG SKY Treatment is deeply committed to serving and enriching our community. Through outreach programs, advocacy initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, we aim to break down barriers to access and destigmatize mental health and addiction issues.

Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, know that you are not alone. BIG SKY Treatment is here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

With warm regards,

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Dr. Duke Vinson, CEO

group of hikers enjoying experiential therapy in nature, aligned with big sky treatment's approach
group of hikers enjoying experiential therapy in nature, aligned with big sky treatment's approach

FIND EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY TREATMENT AT BIG SKY

Navigate a path to recovery that transcends conventional methods at BIG SKY Treatment. Studies have shown that our Experiential Therapy and supporting treatment programs, which feature specialized indoor and outdoor therapeutic activities, provide lasting outcomes for patients suffering from mental health and addiction disorders. Join us in the heart of Montana, where innovation and clinical expertise meets the healing power of nature.

OUR CERTIFICATIONS

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the joint commission gold seal of approval
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Browse our FAQ for clear, concise answers to common inquiries about our programs and services.

BIG SKY Treatment is led by Dr. Duke Vinson, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and DOT Substance Abuse Professional (DOT-SAP). Dr. Vinson founded BIG SKY Treatment — formerly Raleigh House of Montana — on the principle that lasting recovery requires addressing the whole person: the addiction, the underlying mental health, and the trauma beneath both.

BIG SKY Treatment’s clinical team holds advanced credentials across addiction medicine, mental health counseling, and substance use treatment, including Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and DOT Substance Abuse Professional (DOT-SAP). Every credential on our team reflects specialized training in addiction and behavioral health — not general counseling practice.

Yes. BIG SKY Treatment is licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and holds accreditations from The Joint Commission, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), SAMHSA, and LegitScript. These accreditations apply to both our in-person programs in Kalispell and our Virtual IOP services across all states we serve, and reflect our commitment to the highest clinical and ethical standards in addiction and mental health care.

Yes. Dual diagnosis — the simultaneous treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions — is a core clinical specialization at BIG SKY Treatment, not an add-on service. Many people who struggle with addiction also live with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma, and treating only the substance use without addressing the underlying mental health condition significantly increases the risk of relapse. Our programs are designed from the ground up to treat both conditions concurrently, across all levels of care and both in-person and via Virtual IOP.

Trauma-informed care is a clinical framework that recognizes trauma as a common underlying driver of both addiction and mental health disorders. At BIG SKY Treatment, being trauma-informed means every clinician is trained to recognize trauma responses, create an environment of physical and emotional safety, and avoid practices that could re-traumatize clients. Rather than treating addiction as an isolated behavior problem, we ask what experiences shaped it — and build treatment around that understanding. This approach is especially important for clients with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or histories of adverse childhood experiences, and is embedded across all our programs, not limited to trauma-specific sessions.

BIG SKY Treatment’s clinical programming draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, and psychoeducation. These are delivered through individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Our Experiential Therapy Program — equine therapy, wilderness therapy, music therapy, and art therapy, available in person at our Kalispell location — complements clinical treatment by engaging clients in hands-on healing that supports emotional processing and self-discovery in ways traditional talk therapy alone cannot.

These terms describe different intensities of outpatient care. Standard Outpatient (OP) typically involves one to two sessions per week and is best suited for individuals who are stable in recovery and need ongoing maintenance support. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) involve structured programming for approximately nine to twelve hours per week across multiple days, designed for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient but can safely live at home. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) are the most intensive outpatient level — typically twenty or more hours per week — and are appropriate for individuals stepping down from inpatient care or needing near-daily clinical support. BIG SKY Treatment offers IOP and standard outpatient care, and conducts individual clinical assessments to determine the right level for each client.

Relapse prevention is built into every stage of treatment at BIG SKY, not added on at the end. Clinically, this means helping clients identify personal triggers, develop individualized coping strategies, and build the emotional regulation skills needed to navigate high-risk situations. Our trauma-informed approach addresses the underlying drivers of substance use — because unresolved trauma is one of the strongest predictors of relapse. Relapse prevention planning is also integrated into our Aftercare Programs and alumni support, so clients leave treatment with a concrete, personalized plan — not just a list of strategies.

Our Virtual IOP delivers the same evidence-based intensive outpatient programming as our in-person program through a secure telehealth platform, for both adults and adolescents. Participants attend live scheduled group and individual sessions — typically several hours per day, multiple days per week — from wherever they are. Virtual IOP is available to residents of Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, including members of Indian Reservations in those states. It’s an ideal option for people who live far from Kalispell, have transportation limitations, or need the flexibility of remote care without sacrificing clinical quality.

BIG SKY Treatment combines clinical specialization with a treatment experience that is genuinely distinctive. We specialize in dual diagnosis and deliver all programs through a trauma-informed clinical framework — recognizing that addiction and mental health are rarely separate problems. Our Kalispell location offers a full Experiential Therapy Program — equine therapy, wilderness therapy, music, and art — integrated directly into IOP and dual diagnosis care. We hold dual accreditation from The Joint Commission and ASAM, serve both adolescents and adults, and extend access statewide and beyond through our Virtual IOP. Our clinical team holds credentials including DBH, LCPC, LAC, MAC, and CCMHC, and every aspect of care is grounded in evidence-based practice and individual clinical assessment.

BREAK FREE FROM MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AND ADDICTION

At BIG SKY Treatment, we are committed to helping you recover, heal, and move forward. Our evidence-based programs provide the guidance and support you need to break free from addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Calls are answered 24/7.