Wellness In Action (WIA) was founded in 2005 by residents concerned that not all families had access to education enrichment activities and human services. WIA currently provides a robust counseling program offering a sliding scale payment system determined by income and household size, scholarship opportunities to attend summer and winter camps, well-being & enrichment opportunities, and a dedicated community health worker to help bridge the gap in human health services. They are dedicated to community well-being by connecting individuals to a network of resources so that those who live and work here may thrive.
Through the support of Greater Gallatin United Way, WIA partners with private practice counselors to provide subsidized counseling through a sliding scale. WIA's sliding scale is based on 500% of the 2023 federal poverty levels to make mental and behavioral health services affordable to all community members given the high cost of living in Big Sky. Through GGUW's Community Impact Grant, 23 clients were able to access affordable counseling sessions, Nearly 60% of those clients served do not have health insurance. The clients work in various job industries including construction, hospitality, and food services. Many of these industries do not offer employees benefits such as health insurance. Without the assistance of WIA’s sliding scale subsidy, many of the residents and workforce of Big Sky would be unable to afford the cost of counseling without incurring financial hardship.
"With this program, I can afford great quality mental health counseling consistently. Being able to prioritize care and afford it at the same time is something I am forever grateful for!”
“I wouldn’t be in therapy due to affordability if WIA didn’t exist. The accessibility is so important, especially in Big Sky”
Greater Gallatin United Way also supports the Ski Patrol Counseling partnership with Timothy Tate, LCPC. Tate provides support to ski patrollers and outdoor responders using a pay-what-you-can model through his partnership with WIA. Tate facilitated a 1.5-hour group session with Yellowstone Club Ski Patrol. During this session, Tate informed them of the availability of his reduced-cost services and used the time to discuss the trauma that occurs from being a first responder in the mountains. Additionally, GGUW funding has assisted four Yellowstone Club and Big Sky Resort ski patrollers access counseling sessions with Tate. Overall, these two programs are leading to a greater level of well-being in the participants and the Big Sky community. As an increased number of individuals discuss mental health and thus reduce the stigma associated with it, Big Sky continues to develop into a thriving community with a culture that embraces mental well-being.
Every year Greater Gallatin United Way funds and supports local agencies as one strategy to positively impact residents of Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park Counties. We are proud of the work we can support through our Community Impact grants, check out all of our Community Impact Partners.
To learn more about WIA visit their website.
