Behavioral Health

There is a pressing opportunity to increase and improve behavioral health care services for Native youth. This brief describes several approaches to address the health needs of Native communities, including culturally responsive behavioral health supports, circles of care, and wrap-around services. The National Comprehensive Center's American Indian and Alaska Native Education Project developed this brief to positively impact the learning lives of Native children and youth. It is meant to enhance the effectiveness of state education agencies' work on Native education. It is one of six briefs based on thematic categories from interviews with a panel of experts in the field of American Indian and Alaska Native education to help determine current needs and interests in the field. The six categories included: (1) Native culture and language; (2) College and career readiness and access; (3) Tribal consultation and sovereignty; (4) Physical and behavioral health; (5) Teachers and leaders; and (6) Promising programs and practices.