Montana is home to three schools offering six different degree programs in Masters in Psychology. Montana State University – Bozeman offers two graduate programs, one in Clinical Psychology and the other in Neuroscience. The University of Montana has four Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Sport & Performance Psychology, and Counseling Psychology. Finally, Carroll College provides an MA in Counseling Psychology.
Montana also offers esteemed Doctorate and Ph.D. programs in Psychology for individuals aspiring to become licensed psychologists.
These degree programs provide students with valuable insight into the psychological aspects of the human experience, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities. Each program offers a unique blend of research, clinical, and theoretical training to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in psychology and related fields. To become a licensed psychologist in Montana, individuals must follow a specific path outlined by the Montana Board of Psychologists.
Master’s in General Psychology
Montana State University Billings Master of Science in Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology program at Montana State University Billings is an excellent opportunity for aspiring mental health professionals to advance their careers. This program offers concentrations in Addiction, Clinical Psychology, and Health Psychology, allowing students to specialize in the area of psychology that interests them the most. The program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is based in the vibrant city of Billings, Montana. Students will gain a strong foundation in the principles of psychology, understand how to apply psychological principles to mental health services and develop a deeper knowledge of their chosen concentration. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on providing students with the skills they need to become successful mental health professionals, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to further their education.
Master’s in Counselling Psychology
Montana State University Master of Science (MS) degree in Counseling Psychology
The Montana State University (MSU) Master of Science (MS) degree in Counseling Psychology is an accredited program that provides learners with a unique, creative, and educational experience. Located in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, this program is designed to prepare students for practice in the field of psychology. It offers concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Couples and Family Counseling. The program provides students with an understanding of the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy and the skills and techniques necessary to become effective counselors. Through coursework, practicum, and internships, students will be able to hone their skills in areas such as helping clients with mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction, trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. MSU’s Counseling Psychology program is a great way to pursue a psychology career and help those in need.
Montana Psychology and Mental Health-Focused Organizations
- Montana Psychological Association (MPA):The MPA is a professional organization that represents psychologists in Montana, advocating for the profession and promoting psychological well-being for all Montanans.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montana: NAMI Montana is a state-level affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, supporting individuals with mental illness and their families through advocacy, education, and public awareness.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Addictive and Mental Disorders Division (AMDD): AMDD is a state agency responsible for providing mental health services, including prevention, treatment, and recovery support for Montanans.
- Montana Association of Community Disability Services (MACDS): MACDS is a professional association of organizations providing mental health and disability services in Montana, promoting quality services and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
- https://montanapeernetwork.org/: MPN is a non-profit organization that provides peer support services, education, and advocacy for individuals recovering from mental health and substance use disorders in Montana.
- Montana School Counselor Association (MSCA): MSCA is a professional organization supporting school counselors in Montana, promoting the role of counselors in student mental health and academic success.
- Montana Mental Health Trust: The Montana Mental Health Trust is a private, nonprofit organization that provides funding for mental health programs and services in Montana, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and treatment.
- Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a crisis hotline affiliated with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, providing 24/7 support for individuals in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
- Montana Office of Rural Health & Area Health Education Center (AHEC): The Montana AHEC works to improve access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas, including mental health care, by supporting healthcare workforce development and community-based education.
- Montana Council on Problem Gambling: This council is dedicated to raising awareness about problem gambling, providing resources for prevention and treatment, and advocating for responsible gaming practices in Montana.
Montana Data and Mental Health Statistics
- In Montana, approximately 1 in 5 adults (20.1%) experience a mental illness each year.
- Montana ranks 25th among U.S. states in overall mental health care access, quality, and outcomes.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-44 in Montana, with an age-adjusted rate of 26.0 per 100,000 individuals in 2019.
- Approximately 18.8% of Montana high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2019.
- In Montana, only 41.3% of adults with a mental illness received any mental health services in 2020-2021.
- The number of mental health treatment facilities in Montana increased from 127 in 2017 to 137 in 2021.
- In Montana, 57.1% of adults with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment in 2020-2021.
- Montana had a rate of 57.7 opioid prescriptions per 100 people in 2019, lower than the national average of 89.2.
- In 2020, Montana had a prevalence rate of 11.8% for adults experiencing serious psychological distress in the past year.
- In 2020, 14.0% of Montana youth aged 12-17 reported having a major depressive episode in the past year.
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-2021-nsduh-state-prevalence-estimates
