Admissions & Payment Options
Getting a child or teen the mental health support they need can feel overwhelming.
At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), getting a child enrolled is streamlined and straightforward—helping families understand next steps and ensuring youth receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.
Across Montana, we provide a full continuum of mental health care, from services delivered in homes and schools to therapeutic group homes and residential treatment at the Ranch in Billings.
Our Admissions team works closely with families and partners in care to determine the most appropriate level of support and guide them through each step of the process.
Our Programs
Below is an overview of our programming across our continuum of care.
Community-Based Services
Our Community-Based Services provide mental health care to youth ages 0–18 and their families in homes and schools across Montana—supporting children in staying connected to their families whenever possible. These services are often a first step in care and may also support youth as they transition from more structured treatment settings.
In Yellowstone County, our Supported Employment Program (Individual Placement and Support Employment Services) extends services to young adults up to age 24.
➝ Learn More About Our Community-Based Services
Therapeutic Group Homes
For youth ages 8–18 whose behaviors impact safety, daily functioning, or school attendance, our Therapeutic Group Homes provide structured, family-style care in a supportive setting.
Located in Boulder, Billings, Helena, and Great Falls, these homes offer 24-hour supervision, treatment, and advocacy—helping youth build stability, skills, and healthy routines.
➝ Learn More About Our Therapeutic Group Homes
Residential Care at the Ranch (PRTF)
Located on our historic 410-acre ranch in Billings, our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) provides a safe, structured environment for youth ages 11–18 whose mental health needs make it unsafe for them to remain at home.
This program offers individualized care, therapy, education, and life skills development—supporting healing, resilience, and preparation for a successful return to family and community when appropriate.
➝ Learn More About Residential Care at the Ranch
How Admissions Work
Getting started begins with a referral and an initial review to help determine the most appropriate level of care. We work closely with families, referring professionals, and payers throughout the process.
Getting started typically includes:
- A caregiver reaching out for support or a referral from one of our partners in care
- Review of existing clinical information and, when needed, a clinical assessment scheduled by our Admissions team
- Working together to identify the right level of care and support services
- Coordination of insurance or funding options
We walk families through each step and help answer questions along the way.
Payment Options
Services may be funded through a variety of sources, depending on the program and individual circumstances.
Payment options may include:
- Healthy Montana Kids Plus (Medicaid)
- Healthy Montana Kids – Extended
- Private insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, PacificSource, Tricare, and EMBS (our team is happy to discuss other private insurance plans)
- Outside agencies
- Private payment arrangements
PRTF care at the Ranch in Billings may be covered by Healthy Montana Kids Plus (Medicaid), Medicaid programs in Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Idaho, as well as the Illinois State Board of Education and the Wyoming Department of Education.
We can help families understand coverage options and next steps during the admissions process.
Ready to Get Started?
To get a child enrolled in our services, contact us online or call or text our Admissions team at (406) 606-4075.