The state is delaying plans to expand mental and behavioral health services through a federal program.

The state health department participated in a federal program to prepare existing mental health providers to become Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Under the program, these clinics receive more money to pay for 24-hour mobile crisis management and to treat people in crisis, among many other services.

But Montana was not among the 10 selected states for the second phase of the program and improved federal funding. State health officials plan to reapply next year.

Sierra Riesberg with the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana says the program would have helped fund many services needed in the state.

“It’s an option for funding, but it’s not the only option for funding, for providing and expanding services,” Riesberg says.

She says Medicaid could pay for more programs, but she says it will still cost the state more money under that model.

The state mental health commission will choose its top priorities for rebuilding the mental health system later this month.