Counseling Department...

The IHC Counseling Department offers support and guidance to clients and their families, as well as other community members, while they work to overcome difficulties that compromise their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Counseling Department staff encourage individual self-reliance, stronger family connections and harmonious fellowship among all living things.

The Department assists American Indians / Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) and others in improving their health status by providing culturally proficient clinical services to adults, children and their families. The Counseling Department offers the following services:
~ Mental health counseling
~ Substance abuse outpatient counseling
~ Case management
~ Psychiatry
~ Outreach and support for CalWORKs recipients
~ Referrals and information

Traditional Health Program
The Counseling Department has a Traditional Health Program which involves bringing traditional American Indian healers to the community. Healers meet with clients, conduct ceremonies, and train staff on healing methods. Regular sweat lodge ceremonies are held as part of this program; ceremonies are open to IHC patients and all community members.

Culturally Appropriate Model for Mental Health Services
In fiscal year 05-06, staff from the IHC facilitated a community advisory group and developed a model of mental health services that is culturally appropriate for the American Indian community. The IHC applied for, and was awarded a highly competitive Mental Health Services Act/Proposition 63 county contract to provide these services to seriously mentally ill AI/AN adults.

Highlights From Fiscal Year 2005-2006
~ Provided 11 traditional healing ceremonies
~ Provided 68 sweat lodge ceremonies
~ Provided 45 drum group sessions
Clients achieved approximately a 70% sobriety rate through the use of traditional American Indian practices.

Success Story!

Holistic Wellness: Lisa suffered from depression associated with social and cultural isolation. Upon reconnecting with the American Indian community through the Indian Health Center, she became involved with crafting and fitness programs.

Through her engagement in community activities, she gained the self-fulfillment that one gets upon reconnecting with ones culture. Lisa acknowledges the Counseling Department and Wellness Center staff for her newly developed sense of community engagement.

"I don't think I would be here today if it weren't for the IHC staff... I am finally becoming the person I've always wanted to be." - Lisa Aguirre