Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors

The Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors operates a full-time office in Helena and a full-time legal office at Montana State Hospital.

Helena Staff

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200804, Helena, MT 59620-0804
Office Location: 1412 ½ 8th Street, Helena, MT 59620 (Map)
Toll-free: 800-332-2272

  • manage and administer the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors activities
  • advocate for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities at Montana Developmental Center
  • advocate for the rights of persons with mental illnesses receiving services from mental health facilities
  • respond to consumer requests for assistance
  • investigate allegations of consumer abuse and neglect
  • participate in public mental health and developmental disability service system stakeholder activities

Gene Haire - Executive Director

ghaire@mt.gov 406-444-5278

with the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors since January 27, 1997

  • 35 years experience in the mental health and developmental disabilities fields
  • 25 years direct service and program supervision experience in psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings

Colleen Nichols - Paralegal / Advocate

conichols@mt.gov 406-444-3955

with the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors since September 12, 1983

  • 23 years experience with a variety of developmental disabilities programs, boards, and task forces
  • Powerful and effective advocate for persons with developmental disabilities
  • Mother of an adult son with multiple disabilities

Montana State Hospital Staff

P.O. Box 177, Warm Springs, MT 59756-0177

  • provide legal representation for patients in involuntary commitment proceedings
  • represent patients' interests in grievances, involuntary medication reviews, and forensic reviews
  • assure that patients' legal rights are protected

Craig Fitch - Attorney

cfitch@mt.gov 406-693-7037

with the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors since October 15, 2002

  • Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines from 1994 - 1997
  • 2001 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law

LuWanna Johnson - Paralegal / Advocate

lujohnson@mt.gov 406-693-7035

with the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors since October 17, 2006