ADOLESCENT PROGRAMS

Our Adolescent Outpatient Programs are specifically designed to address the dual challenges of mental health and addiction facing youth. This includes adolescent substance abuse treatment and behavioral health. Through a blend of therapeutic interventions, these programs help teens develop essential coping mechanisms, foster emotional resilience, and build the skills to help them overcome their mental health and addiction problems.

adolescents engaged in a youth therapy services session
adolescents engaged in a youth therapy services session
happy teens bonding outdoors, exemplifying experiential therapy for teens
happy teens bonding outdoors, exemplifying experiential therapy for teens

WHAT TO EXPECT

These programs provide flexible, yet structured support that helps teens rebuild their lives. Through Experiential Therapy, individual and group treatment, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and skill-building, patients address the issues that are fueling their mental health and addiction challenges. This approach equips them with the tools needed to navigate and overcome these challenges and build a fulfilling future.

HOW IT WORKS

Beginning with an intake assessment, individual therapy helps tackle personal struggles and build trust, and group therapy provides a safe space for sharing experiences and learning from peers. Family therapy helps foster relationships and understand recovery, while educational workshops equip teens with essential life skills. All of this aims to foster long-term success.

teen girl smiling with friends, promoting adolescent coping skills development
teen girl smiling with friends, promoting adolescent coping skills development

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 are answered 24/7.

Programs and Treatment

Comprehensive mental health, drug abuse, and alcohol addiction treatment programs, extending services to people across the country in Montana.

MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

Focused on providing comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to address a range of mental health conditions.

ADDICTION TREATMENT

We utilize evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome substance dependence and rebuild their lives.

INTERVENTION COUNSELING

Designed to guide families and individuals through the process of recognizing addiction and taking the first steps toward recovery.

EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY

Hands-on therapeutic activities that harness the healing power of experiential learning to facilitate deeper healing and self-discovery.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

BIG SKY offers specialized PTSD treatment that includes trauma-informed care and proven therapeutic methods to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

A blend of comprehensive therapy and flexibility, perfect for individuals integrating recovery into their personal and professional daily lives.

SOBER LIVING RESIDENCES

A safe, supportive, and substance-free environment, that helps facilitate a smooth transition to everyday life post-treatment.

TELEHEALTH PROGRAMS

Bringing our expert care to you, wherever you are, ensuring continuous support through virtual counseling and therapy sessions.

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Our programs for anxiety and depression combine therapy and supportive care, focusing on uncovering root causes, reducing symptoms, and improving daily functioning.

FAMILY
THERAPY

These sessions involve loved ones in the recovery process, addressing the impact of addiction on relationships and fostering a supportive home environment.

AFTERCARE PROGRAMS

Our Adult and Adolescent Aftercare Programs offer ongoing support to prevent relapse and help maintain long-term recovery.

CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

We specialize in treating Co-Occurring Disorders, addressing both mental health and substance use issues simultaneously.

CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

We work with most insurance providers in the U.S. to provide the best possible coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

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bcbs
allegiance
first choice health
tri west
tri care
montana medicaid
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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.

TYPES OF ADOLESCENT OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

Adolescent Outpatient Programs provide structured therapy, skill-building, and close monitoring for teens needing intensive daily support. Outpatient Treatment Programs provide shorter sessions that can be daily or multiple times weekly, focused on ongoing recovery and skill development. Telehealth offers remote therapy and support services for those facing geographic or scheduling barriers.

teen in consultation for adolescent addiction recovery with a counselor
teen in consultation for adolescent addiction recovery with a counselor
smiling girl in a therapy session for dual diagnosis treatment youth
smiling girl in a therapy session for dual diagnosis treatment youth

WHAT ADOLESCENT OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS CAN HELP WITH

These programs equip teens with relapse prevention techniques and the treatment they need to deal with mental health challenges. As part of our comprehensive behavioral health services, we offer guidance for behavioral difficulties while promoting academic success and high-level achievement in other activities.

BENEFITS OF ADOLESCENT PROGRAMS

Our programs offer access to specialized care where teens can develop essential life skills and healthy coping mechanisms, which are crucial for navigating the challenges of adolescence. Treating both mental health and addiction disorders paves the way for long-term treatment outcomes. This helps strengthen family relationships and improve communication, allowing teens to maintain their daily routines, friendships, and academic progress.

group of happy teens huddled in sunlight, a positive image for teen substance abuse programs
group of happy teens huddled in sunlight, a positive image for teen substance abuse programs

TREATMENT OPTIONS

We understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to recovery. That’s why we offer a range of personalized treatment options. Choose the path that empowers your journey:

cheerful man participating in a group counseling talk

BIG SKY EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY

Participate in innovative therapeutic activities such as equine and art therapy to facilitate emotional healing and personal growth. These hands-on experiences help individuals reconnect with their inner selves.

gentleman sharing a smile in a circle of supportive friends during therapy

BIG SKY OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

Navigate recovery with flexible daytime or evening therapy sessions designed to fit around your schedule. This adaptable option provides ongoing support as you rebuild your life outside therapy through our comprehensive outpatient treatment services.

individual attending a virtual counseling meeting with a doctor on a digital device

BIG SKY TELEHEALTH TREATMENT

Embrace healing from the comfort of your own space. Connect with experienced therapists and participate in personalized sessions virtually, making quality care accessible wherever you are.

BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LASTING CHANGE

At BIG SKY Treatment, we offer more than just treatment; we offer a chance at a new beginning. Let us help you lay the groundwork for a life free from the shadows of mental health illness and addiction. Our dedicated team is always here to provide guidance and answer your questions—day or night.

confident teen girl in class, a symbol of emotional resilience training for youth
confident teen girl in class, a symbol of emotional resilience training for youth

FIND ADOLESCENT OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS AT BIG SKY TREATMENT

We believe every teen deserves a chance at recovery, and we provide the services and expertise to make that happen. BIG SKY Treatment provides safe, effective, and individualized treatment to guide your child, and your family, in healing. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a brighter future.

FULLY LICENSED & CERTIFIED

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

Yes, and the cost is usually lower than parents expect. We work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, PacificSource, Allegiance by Cigna, Montana Medicaid, TRICARE, TriWest, and others. We’re in-network with PacificSource, so PacificSource members pay at in-network rates.

Verify your insurance online in about five minutes. Our team will confirm your exact benefits and follow up during business hours. No commitment, no pressure. Or call us at (406) 309-7500.

Trust your instincts here. Parents usually know something is off before they can name exactly what it is.

Some things worth paying attention to: a noticeable shift in friend groups or withdrawal from family, declining grades or loss of interest in things they used to care about, mood swings that feel more intense than typical teenage moodiness, secrecy around their phone, time, or money, or any direct evidence of substance use.

Montana has the fourth-highest rate of teen illicit drug use in the country, and it’s frequently connected to trauma, family substance use patterns, or untreated mental health struggles rather than just rebellion. If something feels wrong, it’s worth a conversation with a professional, even if you’re not sure yet.

Call us for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you figure out what’s actually going on.

It’s built specifically for teens, not adapted from an adult program. The clinical approach is developmentally appropriate, age 13 and older, and treats addiction and mental health together rather than separately, since trauma, family dynamics, and conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are frequently part of what’s driving a teen’s substance use.

Family therapy is built into the program from the start, not added on later. Teens build coping skills and emotional resilience through individual therapy, group therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Experiential Therapy, which includes equine, wilderness, art, and music therapy at our Kalispell location.

Learn more about our approach to co-occurring disorders or call us to talk through your teen’s specific situation.

There’s no perfect script, and most parents worry about getting it wrong. What tends to help is leading with concern instead of accusation. Something like “I’ve noticed some things that worry me, and I want to understand what’s going on” usually lands better than starting with rules or consequences.

Teens are often more willing to engage when they don’t feel cornered or judged. If the conversation doesn’t go well the first time, that’s normal. It doesn’t mean treatment isn’t still the right next step.

Our admissions team talks with parents in this exact position every day, before any contact with the teen happens. Call us and we can talk through how to approach it.

No. BIG SKY Treatment accepts teens with a substance use disorder alone, even if there’s no co-occurring mental health condition. If a mental health condition is also present, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma, it’s treated alongside the substance use within the same program, not separately.

A clinical assessment will determine exactly what’s going on and build a plan around it. Call us for a free, confidential assessment to understand what your teen actually needs.

Family involvement is a core part of the program, not optional. Family therapy is built in from the start to help rebuild communication and trust, and to help you understand what recovery actually looks like and how to support it at home.

That said, your teen also needs space to be honest with their therapist without fearing every word gets reported back. We’ll talk you through where those boundaries sit and why they matter for your teen’s progress, while keeping you genuinely involved in the parts of treatment where your involvement makes the biggest difference.

Call us with specific questions about how this works.

It depends on the level of care. In our Intensive Outpatient Program, your teen attends individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions several times a week, with each session running a couple of hours. This level is built for teens who need more frequent, structured support while still living at home and attending school.

In our standard Outpatient Program, sessions happen less often, usually once or twice a week. This level works well for teens with milder concerns or those stepping down from IOP into ongoing maintenance.

It starts with an intake assessment to understand what’s going on. From there, your teen works through personal struggles in individual therapy, connects with peers who understand what they’re going through in group therapy, and builds family communication and trust through family therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Experiential Therapy, including equine, wilderness, art, and music therapy, are woven into the program at our Kalispell location. Educational workshops help build life skills alongside the clinical work.

Our clinical team is led by Dr. Duke Vinson, DBH, LCPC, LAC, MAC, CCMHC, CCS, DOT-SAP. Call us to talk through which level fits your teen and what their week would actually look like.

Yes. That’s one of the main reasons outpatient treatment exists for teens. Sessions are scheduled to work around school, not the other way around. Your teen continues attending classes and stays connected to their normal routine and peer relationships while getting treatment.

If in-person sessions in Kalispell aren’t realistic for your family, our Virtual IOP offers the same program through secure telehealth, available to residents of Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, including members of Indian Reservations in those states.

Call us to talk through scheduling for your teen’s specific situation.

This is one of the most common situations we help families navigate. A teen who is resistant at first doesn’t mean treatment is off the table. Our Intervention Counseling is specifically designed to help families recognize what’s happening and take the first steps, even when the teen isn’t ready or willing yet.

We can talk you through how to approach the conversation, what to expect, and how to move forward in a way that doesn’t turn into a standoff.

Call us. You don’t have to have this figured out before you reach out.

Call (406) 309-7500 or reach out online. We start with a free, confidential consultation to understand your teen’s situation. We verify your insurance and follow up during business hours so there are no financial surprises, then build a personalized treatment plan.

Most parents say making that first call is the hardest part. After that, we take it from there together.

Sources

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). 2022–2023 NSDUH: Model-Based Prevalence Estimates for States. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.
    https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-2023-nsduh-state-prevalence-estimates
  2. Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. (2024). Injury and Overdose Indicators Dashboard.
    https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/EMSTS/InjuryandOverdoseIndicators
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Behavioral Health Barometer: Montana, Volume 6.
    https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32843/Montana-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About Adverse Childhood Experiences.
    https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
  5. Whitesell, M., Bachand, A., Peel, J., & Brown, M. (2013). Familial, Social, and Individual Factors Contributing to Risk for Adolescent Substance Use. Journal of Addiction. National Institutes of Health/National Center for Biotechnology Information.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008086/
  6. Whitten, L. et al. (2024). Cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences and Frequency of Substance Use Among US High School Students. PMC/National Institutes of Health.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12174710/
  7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
    https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/introduction
  8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Advisory: Screening and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Among Adolescents (Based on TIP 31–32).
    https://library.samhsa.gov/product/advisory-screening-and-treatment-substance-use-disorders-among-adolescents-based-tip-31-32
  9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide, Third Edition.
    https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition

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.

FINALLY BREAK FREE FROM MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AND ADDICTION

Let BIG SKY help you recover, grow, and thrive with proven evidence-based treatment programs that
empower you to break through mental health and addiction challenges. Calls answered 24/7.