Q.

What is the history of Youth Dynamics, Inc.?

A.

Youth Dynamics, Inc. (YDI) is a private, non-profit behavioral health agency, serving children up to age 21 and their families. The headquarters are located in Billings. YDI officially began operations on June 12, 1981 when the agency’s first Board of Directors met in Billings. It was originally a Volunteers of America program. In 1989, the agency changed its name to Youth Dynamics, Inc. For additional information, click on About Us.

Q.

Is Youth Dynamics, Inc. a government agency?

A.

No, Youth Dynamics, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency.

Q.

How does Youth Dynamics, Inc. help children and families succeed?

A.

At Youth Dynamics, Inc., we are dedicated to providing the least intrusive and least restrictive level of care for the youth and families we serve. For every youth and family, we put together an individualized, customized and comprehensive treatment plan that reflects just the right level of care—no more and no less that what is needed to help families and youth achieve their full potential. We follow the very successful model of Girls and Boys Town. For additional information, click on Care and Treatment Goals, Our Principles and Values, and Our Services.

Q.

What are some typical behavioral mental health problems children have today and how can Youth Dynamics, Inc. help?

A.

Unfortunately, there are many typical behavioral mental health problems we see every day in children and youth. Among them are acting out, problems with authority, difficulty in school, difficulty with peers, fighting, shy, poor attention span, anger, violent, isolation, nightmares, wetting the bed, anxiety, nervousness, sad, no plans for the future, and thoughts of doing harm to themselves.

Fortunately, we can help in many ways because of our well trained and qualified staff. The first step is for one of our therapists to complete a clinical assessment together with the child and his/her parents. The therapist will then be able to decide the types of services that will be most beneficial.

Q.

How many children and families does Youth Dynamics, Inc. care for each year?

A.

The approximate number is about 550 and at any point in time, we are helping over 300 children and families.

Q.

How much does it cost to have Youth Dynamics, Inc. help my family and my child?

A.

We make every effort to keep fees for services as affordable as possible. Because there are a variety of variables regarding fee for services, we ask that you contact the nearest Youth Dynamics, Inc. office and discuss fees with the Area Coordinator. The locations and telephone numbers are as follows:

Q.

How do I pay for services?

A.

First, please contact the nearest Youth Dynamics, Inc. Area Coordinator who can counsel you with regard to a variety of payment options. They are eager to assist. The following are Payment for Services examples accepted by Youth Dynamics, Inc.:

• Montana Medicaid for treatment portion of services.
• Private pay by CFS, BIA, DOC, JPO, and birth/kinship/adoptive parents for room and board, and/or treatment services.
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield—upon authorization.
• Private insurance—upon authorization.
• Sliding fee scale according to income as follows:

Q.

How do I access services from Youth Dynamics, Inc.?

A.

Please click on Admissions where you will find information on how to access services. Also, click on Forms. Additionally, you may contact the Area Coordinator at the nearest location of Youth Dynamics, Inc. Locations and telephone numbers are as follows:

Q.

If Youth Dynamics, Inc. does not have an office close to where I live, can I still get help?

A.

Yes. All of our offices are staffed with persons who serve various regions of Montana. Contact the Area Coordinator in the office location nearest you for help. Also, Youth Dynamics, Inc. offers you access to our Therapeutic Group Homes and Shelter Care no matter where you live.

Q.

Does Youth Dynamics, Inc. only serve Montana children and families?

A.

Yes.

Q.

How do I know if Youth Dynamics, Inc. can help my child?

A.

Chances are we can. We help hundreds of children and families every day. We offer a continuum of services, all designed to help children and their families achieve their full potential. We invite you to learn more about our Youth Support Services and our Family Support Services. The best way to find out if we can be of service to you is to contact one of our Area Coordinators who will discuss with you your concerns and the services and programs we provide. Contact them at the location nearest you.

Q.

What kind of success rate does Youth Dynamics, Inc. have?

A.

We are proud of our success rate that is second to none. Our staff are highly trained to deal with a wide range of behavioral mental health issues. In addition, we make certain our staff remain current on the latest treatment techniques.

Q.

What is a Treatment Foster Parent?

A.

Treatment Foster Parents are individuals who are specifically trained and supervised to work with children who are struggling with emotional difficulties. These parents are people who, in their own home, want to make a difference in a child’s life by working with them as part of a professional team caring for the child. Treatment Foster Parents can either be single or married. Treatment Foster Parents receive a monthly, tax-free stipend, receive specialized training, and are provided with respite care.

Q.

How do I become a Treatment Foster Parent?

A.

Contact any Youth Dynamics, Inc. Area Coordinator. You will be furnished with a complete application packet in order to become a licensed Treatment Foster Parent. This process is designed to help you discover your family’s interests and ability to care for special needs children. The process involves the completion of an application and personal reference checks. A licensing specialist conducts a background investigation and home visit. Also, Treatment Foster Parents are required to participate in orientation training.

Q.

I would like to contribute to Youth Dynamics, Inc. Who do I contact?

A.

Dozens of individuals and Montana businesses help us every day through their contributions of products and services as well as their financial support. We would be delighted to visit with you about a variety of contribution options. Please contact the Executive Director of Youth Dynamics, Inc., Dr. Peter Degel, at (406) 245-3285, by E-mail pdegel@youthdynamics.org or visit our Foundation Web Site. And, thank you in advance for your contribution!

Q.

What employment and career opportunities does Youth Dynamics, Inc. offer?

A.

We are constantly on the lookout for well qualified and dedicated persons to fill employment needs at Youth Dynamics, Inc. Youth Dynamics, Inc. offers an exciting and rewarding career and provides competitive wages and generous benefits to its employees. Please go to our Employment link for a listing of employment opportunities.

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