An overview of mental health services for american indians and alaska natives

Native Americans appear to be at higher risk than other U.S. ethnic groups for mental health problems, including depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and sui-dde. Despite recent increases in the federal budget for mental health services for Native Americans, less than 50 percent of the estimated need for ambulatory services is being met. initiatives to improve the quantity andquality of mental health services for Native Amer-icans in the 1990s include develop-ment of a national mental health plan, increased technical assistance to Native American communities, additional training and research, and continued attention to stan-dards that promote high-quality, culturally relevant care. Tribes themselves are seen as the most ap-propriate locus for initiation of programs for preventing emotional problems in their communities. Dr. Nelson is chief, Dr. McCoy is deputy chief, and Ms. Stetter is administrative and training of-ficer of the mental health pro-grams branch of the India