SAMHSA Document Guides Responsive Care for Native Populations

The latest Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is designed to facilitate access to culturally informed care for Native American and Alaska Native populations.

Behavioral Health Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (TIP 61) has three main components, according to SAMHSA:

• A discussion of American Indian and Alaska Native history and historical trauma, along with descriptions of traditional treatment interventions and adaptations of standard behavioral health approaches.

• Strategies for clinicians and treatment program administrators to develop a culturally responsive environment for these patients.

• An overview of the available literature on behavioral health services for Native American and Alaska Native populations.

SAMHSA administrator Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, said in a news release that TIP 61 is part of a comprehensive improvement strategy that also includes $50 million in funding to tribal governments to address the opioid crisis and funding for services in areas such as suicide prevention.