Native American communities prioritize traditional healing to treat mental health

Culturally-appropriate mental health care is vital to the continued healing and growth of Minnesota’s Native people. Yet there’s a gaping shortage of Native American psychologists — to the tune of 200 to 300 in the entire country. With population numbers of over several million, more mental health practitioners area needed. This article explores the issue and a few efforts in Minnesota and North Dakota, one supported in part by Blandin Foundation funding, that are intentionally creating pathways to increase Native access to mental health care.