Design of a Behavioral Health Program for Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Youths: A Community Informed Approach

Abstract

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) urban youths experience significant mental health and substance use problems. However, culturally relevant treatment approaches that incorporate community perspectives within the urban setting are limited. This study analyzes community perspectives from AI/AN parents, AI/AN youths, and services providers within Los Angeles County. Information gathered was utilized to develop a needs assessment for AI/AN youths with mental health and substance use problems and to design a community-informed treatment approach. Nine focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted. The Los Angeles County community strongly expressed the need for providing urban AI/AN youths with traditional healing services and cultural activities within their treatment program. However, various barriers to accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment services were identified. An integrated treatment approach was subsequently designed as a result of input derived from community perspectives. The community believed that providing urban AI/AN youths with an integrated treatment approach has the potential to decrease the risk of mental health and substance abuse problems in addition to enhancing their cultural identity and self esteem.

Promoting Physical Activity Among Native American Youth: a Systematic Review of the Methodology and Current Evidence of Physical Activity Interventions and Community-wide Initiatives

“…Nevertheless, more research among Native youth is needed to identify specific contributors of physical activity-based strategies to health promotion and disease prevention including depression 71 , substance abuse 72,73 , and suicide prevention 74 . In addition, further work is needed to advance our understanding of the role of environmental, policy, and systems approaches in promoting physical activity among Native youth, families, and communities including the potential of multi-level and multi-sector approaches.…”

Integrating Motivational Interviewing and Traditional Practices to Address Alcohol and Drug Use Among Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Youth

“…The original foundation of the program is based on extensive community-based work conducted by Daniel Dickerson and Carrie Johnson (Dickerson, Johnson, et al, 2012; Dickerson & Johnson, 2011; Dickerson & Johnson, 2012; Dickerson, et al, 2014), Kurt Schweigman (Native American Health Center, 2012), Ryan Brown (Brown, 2010; Brown, Copeland, Costello, Angold, & Worthman, 2009; Brown, Hruschka, et al, 2009), and Elizabeth D’Amico (D'Amico, Green, et al, 2012; D'Amico, Hunter, Miles, Ewing, & Osilla, 2013; D'Amico, et al, 2008; D'Amico, Osilla, & Hunter, 2010). MICUNAY targets a variety of behaviors including reducing AOD use and increasing well-being, spirituality and cultural identification.…”

Community Perspectives on Drug/Alcohol Use, Concerns, Needs, and Resources in Four Washington State Tribal Communities

“…Such approaches may diverge from general population-validated treatments and underscore the importance of recognizing and understanding local challenges, and utilizing local knowledge, expertise, and other resources to build wellness. AIAN communities can, and do, guide the most appropriate, meaningful, and helpful solutions to address SUAD and related concerns (Dickerson & Johnson, 2011; Echo-Hawk, 2011; Fisher & Ball, 2005). …”