Blacktail Health recently reported a successful year of providing school-based mental health support in the Butte public schools.
During the 2025-26 school year, the facility’s therapists saw 84 individual students across three schools — Kennedy Elementary, West Elementary and East Middle School — totaling 1,177 visits.
Laurie Andrews, a behavioral health special projects manager and therapist with Blacktail Health, said the high rate of usage and successes shows how badly the community needs mental health support consistently across school, home and healthcare.
“We are building systemwide consistency so that every child in crisis encounters adults who know how to respond, communicate and coordinate care,” said Andrews.
According to a press release from Blacktail Health, Butte-Silver Bow County has been experiencing a growing mental health crisis among youth, marked by high rates of anxiety, depression and suicide attempts, many of which result in emergency room visits.
In response, Blacktail Health opened its first school-based clinic in August 2022 at Kennedy Elementary School, followed by West Elementary School the next year. In August 2025, Blacktail Health expanded its behavioral health services to include an East Middle School clinic, partnering with Intermountain Health St. James Hospital to cover the expenses of the new venture.
The school-based clinics offer students convenient on-site access to a therapist during school hours, addressing the pressing need for mental health support. The clinic employs a “no wrong door” approach for referrals, allowing students to be referred by teachers, medical providers, parents, or even to seek services independently.
“There is no shortage of success stories,” said Courtney Nucito, the Blacktail Health therapist in the grade schools. “We are providing students with coping tools, supportive adults, and steps to take when they feel overwhelmed.
Nucito said children are experiencing fewer trips to the emergency room, fewer meltdowns, improved mood and improved school attendance.
“It’s really remarkable, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Nucito