APA Expert Opinion

Daniel Dickerson, D.O., Chair, APA Committee of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian psychiatrists, Psychiatrist, United American Indian Involvement (UAII), and Research Staff Physician, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, UCLA, discusses health questions regarding American Indian and Alaska Native population.

These answers are not meant to provide specific medical advice, but to provide general mental health information specific to AI/AN/NH communities.

How can American Indians/Alaska Natives/Native Hawaiians locate mental health and substance abuse services in urban community?

Having grown-up myself in an urban area, I can identify with this question. According to the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), there are 37 clinics and substance abuse treatment programs for urban American Indians nationwide. These clinics offer culturally-competent care with well-trained clinicians committed to addressing the needs of their urban Native American communities. I would recommend checking their website at http://www.ncuih.org for more information on urban mental health and substance abuse programs.

Do Native Americans seek traditional healers in addition to Westernized forms of treatment?

This is an important question. Native American tribes have a long history of utilizing traditional healing. In fact, many Native Americans today continue to seek traditional practitioners for a variety of medical and psychiatric illnesses. Also, it is common for AI/AN/NH’s to utilize both Westernized forms of medicine and traditional healing simultaneously. Utilization of traditional healing for mental health issues may help with de-stigmatizing treatment for psychiatric and substance related issues and help to address their treatment needs. Utilization of traditional healing for mental health issues may help with de-stigmatizing treatment for psychiatric and substance related issues and help to address treatment needs.

There is a lot of mention about methamphetamine abuse in the news lately, is this also a problem in AI/AN/NH communities?

Methamphetamine abuse rates are higher among Native Americans compared to any other racial or ethnic group. This problem has significantly impacted the lives of both individuals and communities at large. Unfortunately, policing this problem in remote American Indian reservations is challenging. Further collaboration between community leaders, local, state, and national government agencies, substance abuse professionals, and law enforcement is needed in order to effectively address this significant public health care issue.

What can AI/AN/NH communities do to decrease the stigma related to psychiatric and substance use disorders?

As with the majority of the mainstream population, there is significant stigma associated with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Unfortunately, stigma associated with psychiatric and substance use conditions discourage individuals from seeking care that can significantly improve their lives and well-being. It is important that health care professionals and community leaders educate local AI/AN/NH communities regarding the legitimacy of these illnesses and that these conditions are often associated with complex issues.

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