A child’s access to mental healthcare shouldn’t depend on their zip code.
Rural Behavioral Health Institute closes the gap between need and access
Why we exist
RBHI was founded on a bold but necessary vision: a rural America where every person who needs mental health care can actually receive it. For decades, our founders and team worked on some of the most pressing public health challenges - focusing especially on communities too often left behind. In rural regions, where provider shortages, distance, and stigma intersect, access to mental health care is not just limited - it’s often out of reach.
01
From research to realization
Janet Lindow, PhD, and Matt Byerly, MD studied new suicide prevention programs and digital therapies in rural settings.
02
RBHI is founded
Rural Behavioral Health Institute is founded by Janet Lindow to bridge the gap between research and real-world access to care in rural America.
03
The first school pilot launches
RBHI partnered with MERET to pilot its Screening Linked to Care (SLTC) model in Montana schools, combining universal screening with same-day intervention and virtual care support.
04
Statewide expansion begins
Montana invests $2.1 million to expand universal mental health screening and support for students across the state.
05
Scaling across rural America
RBHI now supports schools across multiple states, helping thousands of students access mental health support earlier and more effectively.
A History That Stands Behind.
From Research to Real-World Impact
Building Something Different
RBHI exists to ensure that mental health care is not just something that exists in theory but something young people can access when they need it.
We Focus On:
Ensuring every child can access support through a virtual care model
Early symptom identification via universal mental health screening in schools
Immediate intervention for students with elevated risk
Comprehensive care connection support for students and families
Your support can transforme lives and inspire better futures.
Our work is more
than systems or programs.
RBHI was built to make sure support reaches them earlier, faster, and where it’s needed most.