Are we still trying to appropriately address child and adolescent mental health? You bet. 

Does this increase the need for accessible and affordable services more than ever? Absolutely. 

Shodair Children’s Hospital has been dedicated to Montana’s children for 126 years. First as an orphanage, then a polio hospital, and for around the last 50 years a children’s psychiatric hospital and a world-class medical genetics program. Taking care of those who are vulnerable is in our DNA because, no matter the decade, services are provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

We do this by keeping our mission the guide to all decisions: To heal, help and inspire hope.  

About five years ago Shodair embarked on a project to build a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital to replace the one that was once a bowling alley and eatery. This project also includes construction of a medical office building that will become home to our medical genetics program, which also gives it a stronger identity.  We are committed to this effort because it’s what the families of Montana serve deserve.

Many professionals believe we’ve been in a mental health crisis for years. Others say our mental health needs are at an all-time high because of society’s willingness to accept that 1 in 4 adults have some sort of mental disorder.

Either way, the pandemic has certainly demonstrated that we still have a long way to go.

Shodair has proven that it’s up for that challenge.  

Shodair continually strives to provide what is best for the patients and families we serve. Shodair is one of the first and remains one of the only hospitals certified in trauma-informed care. Every year, we care for thousands of children and adolescents from 52 of our 56 counties. The current construction project  allows us to continue our work in a space that is equal to the quality and creativity of our care.

The new hospital is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Designed by providers, patients, and families who worked with leadership, architects, and designers, it will provide patients individual rooms and restrooms; flexible spaces adaptable for a mirid of uses, a spiritual space with a smudge room, a pool, state-of-the-art security as well as safety, and quiet rooms with windows and piped in music.

Shodair remains a beacon in the night for the lost; a sanctuary for those who have been hurt; and a vessel of hope for families that often arrive in despair. We may not always have an instant fix; however, we do have a dedicated community of mission-driven employees, loyal supporters who show up no matter the ask, and the foundational stamina to be there for Montana for another 126 years.