Youth Dynamics Celebrates 40 Years of Service to Montana Youth

It seems these days that more and more people are becoming aware of mental health issues and are not scared to come out and say, "Hey, I need help."

Seeing superstar tennis player Naomi Osaka push for more mental health awareness and having the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, Michael Phelps, admit that he has problems and that, "It's ok to not be ok," has opened a lot of discussion on that subject.

We, as a community, are lucky to have a resource right here in Malta, designed solely to help kids and families that need help.

Youth Dynamics is a Montana-based non-profit mental health center, with locations all over the state, that has been helping at-risk children and families for 40 years. They employ over 500 people and serve well over 2,000 kids each year.

YDI is celebrating 25 years of being in the Malta and Glasgow communities, and has recently moved to a new location behind the Malta Business Center.

Danette Love is the Area Manager for the Malta and Glasgow offices. Malta caseworkers are Cindi Salveson and Tyanna Dunbar. Shay Garfield is the Admin, and new to the Malta office is therapist Morgan Streeter.

"To have a therapist in Malta is a huge thing!" said Love. "Our families can get the attention and help they need right here and don't have to travel anymore."

Streeter came to Malta from Billings but grew up in the small town of Ryegate.

"I've always wanted to come to a rural area to provide services," said Streeter. "When I was growing up, there were a lot of kids that needed help, but nobody was going to come to the middle of nowhere, and most couldn't afford the time or money to travel anywhere."

YDI welcomes families going through difficult times. When children or teens need help with mental health problems, get into trouble, or show signs of withdrawal, they are here for them.

The group gets referrals from many different sources. Clinics, schools, CPS, and the Health Deptartment to name a few. They also will help any family that just walks in off the street.

Love says that after getting the referral or walk-in, the first thing is to fill out an intake packet and have an assessment with the therapist. This gives the team direction as to what the problem is, PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc. Then they sit down with the family and see how they can help.

"Each family is different, each child is different." said Love. "We are able to customize a plan for each."

"They are coming to us because they are feeling overwhelmed somewhere or just need some extra support," said Salveson. "As a case manager, we're there to find those supports that they need. Sometimes just being a sounding board or a reassurance for the parents is all they need."

Love added, "It's not just the youth, it's the whole family. Everyone has to be part of it, and communication is the key."

YDI also provides a unique and therapeutic mentor or FSA program to help kids thrive in their home, at school, and in the community.

"We are always looking for FSA's or mentors." Said Love.

The FSA is a paid position. Mentors can spend anywhere from 4-30 hours a week with a youth depending on the child's individual needs, and the schedule can be very flexible. Anyone interested in being a mentor should call the Youth Dynamics office.