Substance abuse, mental illness, and violence are a self-perpetuating
vicious cycle in many Native American communities. In this book, the
authors highlight the importance of eliminating health disparities and
increasing the access of Native Americans to critical substance abuse
and mental health services. Dedicated educators, researchers, and
clinicians in the Native community demonstrate how practitioners can
work within both the walls of western medicine and the circles of
traditional healers, and promote healing through changes in the way we
treat our sick_spiritually, traditionally, ceremonially, and
scientifically_whether in rural areas, on reservations, or in cities.
They emphasize the importance of non-profit community-based health
organizations as nodes for community interaction and sources of mental
health services for Native Americans in multi-tribal, multi-ethnic, and
multi-racial urban areas. This excellent collection will be invaluable
for medical and mental health professionals and the Native health
community.