Turtle Island Resources

Tag: mental health

  • Family resources

    Family resources

    Federal & Tribal Programs Supporting Families

    Services for Native Americans (OAA Title VI)

    Grants under the Older Americans Act (Title VI) help tribes deliver nutrition programs, caregiver support, home-based services, and assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren—designed to keep families strong and independent.
    ACL Administration for Community Living

    Administration for Children & Families (ACF) Tribal Programs

    Includes:

    • Tribal TANF — Empowering tribes to design welfare and child welfare programs tailored to family strength.
    • Native Employment Works (NEW) — Supports job readiness and employment services for family providers.
    • Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) via the Office of Child Care — Financial assistance for quality child care that supports working parents.
    • Office of Child Support Services — Helps enforce child support aligned with tribal values.
    • Head Start (Tribal) — Early education and comprehensive services for Native children and families.
      Administration for Children and Families+1Administration for Children and Families

    Cultural & Community-Based Family Support

    NICWA (National Indian Child Welfare Association)

    Provides vital information and resources related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), supporting parents, caregivers, and service providers navigating child welfare systems.
    NICWA

    NAPPR – Tribal Home Visiting Program (New Mexico)

    A culturally tailored program offering in-home support to Native families with young children. Services include parenting education, child development guidance, socialization activities, and community resource connection for families up to when their child turns five.
    nappr.org+1

    Division of Indian Work (Minneapolis-area)

    Offers in-home parenting support and education for families involved in child protection, delivered by culturally grounded Parenting Capacity Workers or Cultural Home Educators.
    Division of Indian Work+1

    MINNESOTA INDIAN WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER (MIWRC)

    Focuses on family stabilization by providing parenting education, life skills training, prevention, reunification support, housing, and culturally responsive mental health services.
    miwrc.org

    Minneapolis American Indian Center – Family Services

    Programs include:

    • Early Intervention Program — Offers financial aid for essential needs (rent, utilities, clothing) and cultural activities like field trips and family fun nights.
    • Family Stability Program — Prevents crises with case management, resource referrals, and emergency support for families in Hennepin County.
      Minneapolis American Indian CenterMinneapolis American Indian Center

    NAYA Foster Care Services (Portland, OR)

    Provides culturally appropriate foster care support, independent living programs, and assistance in preserving tribal traditions during family transitions.
    nayapdx.org

    United American Indian Involvement (UAII)

    Offers family preservation services in Los Angeles—including parenting education, peer support, fun family activities, financial literacy, home visits, and access to basic needs like food and school supplies.
    211LA

    Healthcare & Special Needs Family Support

    Family-to-Family Healthcare Information Center for Tribal Communities

    Supports families with special medical needs by helping them navigate health benefits, SSI, telehealth, advocacy skills, workshops, and direct assistance—especially in remote tribal communities.
    parentsreachingout.org

    Community Insights & Peer Perspectives (Reddit Voices)

    “Our community… prevention services offering fun activities (baking, tie-dye, beading kits, workshops). I’m setting up a 10-week prenatal & postnatal support group with culturally connected supports…”
    — A Mi’kmaw organizer building long-term, culturally rooted family engagement
    Reddit

    “MIWRC… provides support groups, family services and housing assistance… healing is at the heart of everything.”
    — Highlighting the power of culturally-grounded services for Native families
    Reddit

    Overview Table

    Resource TypeHighlights
    Federal/Tribal ProgramsTitle VI services, Tribal TANF, Child Care Fund, Head Start
    Family Advocacy & Early YearsNICWA (ICWA support), NAPPR home visiting
    Parenting & Cultural SupportDIW (MN), MIWRC, Minneapolis AIC family programs
    Foster & Youth ServicesNAYA Foster Care (OR)
    Family Services & PreservationUAII (LA), community emergency support
    Healthcare SupportsTribal Family-to-Family Healthcare Center
    Community InsightsReddit feedback on program needs, engagement strategies
  • Mental Health Resources

    Mental Health Resources

    If you are in a crisis please call 911. Thank you for seeking help.

    Native Americans face unique mental health challenges, including the impacts of historical trauma, isolation, and barriers to access, but there are several mental health resources available to support us. Below is a list of important organizations and services that provide mental health resources specifically for Native American communities:

    Indian Health Service (IHS)

    • Website: https://www.ihs.gov/
    • Description: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency that provides health care services to Native Americans, including mental health services. IHS offers counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment programs at healthcare facilities across the U.S., particularly in rural and reservation areas.

    National Indian Health Board (NIHB)

    • Website: https://www.nihb.org/
    • Description: The NIHB advocates for the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. They provide resources and advocacy around mental health, offering support for tribal communities to address mental health needs and wellness.

    The Native American Mental Health Alliance (NAMHA)

    • Website: https://namha.org/
    • Description: NAMHA works to address the mental health needs of Native Americans by improving access to services, developing culturally appropriate mental health care, and providing training for health professionals. They also advocate for policy changes to improve mental health outcomes for Native communities.

    StrongHearts Native Helpline

    • Website: https://strongheartshelpline.org/
    • Phone: 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
    • Description: StrongHearts is a confidential, anonymous helpline for Native Americans affected by domestic violence and dating violence. It offers emotional support, resources, and safety planning. It’s a culturally tailored service designed to support Native people in need of assistance for domestic abuse and related trauma.

    National Native American Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center (NNASP-TAC)

    The Trevor Project – Native American Resources

    • Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
    • Description: While The Trevor Project is generally focused on LGBTQ+ youth, it also offers dedicated resources for Native American youth, particularly those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. They provide a helpline, text and chat services, and other resources specifically for LGBTQ+ Native youth.

    Crisis Text Line

    • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
    • Text: Text HOME to 741741
    • Description: This service provides free, 24/7 text-based support for individuals in crisis. While not specific to Native Americans, it is widely accessible and serves a broad range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

    American Indian/Alaska Native Resource Center (AI/ANRC)

    Indian Country Child Trauma Center (ICCTC)

    • Website: https://oklahoma.edu/icctc
    • Description: The ICCTC provides training, tools, and resources on child trauma and mental health for Native American communities. They focus on the trauma experiences of Native children and families, offering culturally responsive programs and services.

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – American Indian and Alaska Native Programs

    • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/tribal-affairs
    • Description: SAMHSA provides funding, resources, and technical assistance for tribes to improve behavioral health services in their communities. They focus on substance use, mental health, and wellness programs tailored for Native American populations.

    Native American Wellness Institute (NAWI)

    • Website: https://www.naihc.net/
    • Description: The Native American Wellness Institute focuses on building healthy communities through culturally relevant programs that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. They provide resources for both individuals and tribes to promote mental health and overall well-being.

    Native Hope

    • Website: https://www.nativehope.org/
    • Description: Native Hope provides mental health resources to Native American communities, with an emphasis on supporting those dealing with grief, trauma, and emotional distress. Their programs provide culturally relevant support to improve emotional resilience.

    We R Native

    • We R Native
    • Website: www.wernative.org
    • Description: Provides mental health resources, cultural information, and support for Native youth.

    Native American Counseling, Inc.

    • Website: https://www.nativeamerican-counseling.org/
    • Description: This organization provides mental health counseling and therapy services for Native Americans, with a focus on addressing trauma, grief, substance abuse, and general emotional health. They offer both in-person and remote counseling options, with therapists who understand the unique experiences of Native individuals.

    The Native American Healing Center

    • Website: https://www.nativeamericanhealingcenter.org/
    • Description: This center offers a variety of healing services, including therapy and counseling, for Native American individuals. The center provides culturally relevant therapy techniques that integrate traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic methods.

    The Red Circle Project – National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)

    • Website: https://www.nnaapc.org/redcircle
    • Description: The Red Circle Project provides mental health services, including therapy, for Native American individuals who may be affected by HIV, substance use, and mental health disorders. They work to integrate cultural healing practices into therapy and support individuals in managing their mental health in the context of their culture.

    Telehealth Counseling Services for Native Americans

    • Various Providers: Many therapists and counselors offer telehealth services, which are especially beneficial for those in rural or remote Native American communities. Telehealth can be a valuable resource for therapy, allowing individuals to receive counseling from culturally competent therapists without the need to travel long distances.

    Sage Counseling Services

    • Website: https://www.sagecounselingservices.com/
    • Description: Sage Counseling Services provides therapy and counseling to Native Americans, particularly focusing on the effects of historical trauma, addiction, and community-based mental health challenges. Their therapists work with Native individuals and families to create a healing plan that is culturally informed and accessible.

    These resources represent a variety of services for mental health support, suicide prevention, and overall wellness that are tailored specifically for Native American communities. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out to these organizations can provide access to confidential counseling, support services, and community resources designed to address the unique needs of Native peoples.