Transforming Mental Health in Montana: How One Billings Psychiatrist is Making a Difference

Dr. Eric Arzubi is on a mission to transform mental health care in Montana. With his telepsychiatry practice, Frontier Psychiatry, he aims to provide accessible support, especially for the state’s rural youth. Since starting in 2020, Arzubi has been introducing innovative tools, including a free online resource tailored for young people dealing with mental health challenges.

“It’s part of my duty as a physician,” Arzubi explains. “I want to improve care and help our community. We can’t keep reading the same negative headlines about mental health in Montana.”

A former department chair of psychiatry at Billings Clinic, Arzubi has a wealth of experience. He prioritizes monitoring the effectiveness of Frontier’s online services to ensure they work well. Recently published research in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights promising results, showing that patients using telepsychiatry had a 38% lower hospitalization rate compared to others.

“Accessibility is key,” Arzubi notes. “Data confirms our work is making a difference.” However, he recognizes that the challenges in mental health care are complex. They involve regulations, funding, and how services are delivered.

He passionately believes in addressing the urgent needs of Montana’s youth. As part of his ongoing efforts, he is developing an online intervention tool inspired by Dr. Jessica Schleider’s research on single-session therapy. This approach focuses on impactful, immediate support, which is critical, especially since many young patients often attend only one therapy session.

“There’s a unique context to mental health in Montana,” Arzubi points out. “The factors affecting youth here can differ significantly from their peers in other regions.” He adds that suicide rates among Montana youth underline the urgency of tailored interventions.

Expected to launch by early 2026, Project YES will provide a single-session intervention tool specifically designed for Montana’s youths. Funded by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and supported by various partnerships, this initiative aims to deliver culturally relevant mental health support.

“We’re committed to ensuring that these interventions reach those who need them,” says Jon Ebelt from DPHHS. “Montana has significant mental health professional shortages, making initiatives like Project YES crucial.”

As wellness trends emerge, many young people are turning to AI tools for mental health support. Arzubi sees this as a sign of the gaps in existing services, urging that professionals must step up to meet community needs. “Patients are seeking help wherever they can find it,” he emphasizes.

By supplementing traditional therapy with accessible online options, Arzubi hopes to instigate meaningful change. “I want to contribute to a more positive narrative around mental health in Montana,” he says earnestly. “My goal is for Montana to be known for innovative solutions, not just high suicide rates.”

Ultimately, by addressing mental health care with fresh ideas and immediate support, Dr. Arzubi is becoming a beacon of hope for Montana’s youth.



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psychiatry, mental health, health, hospital, social issues, health care, medicine, psychotherapy, disability, psychology, mental disorders, treatment of mental disorders, telepsychiatry