Native American Mental Health Services
The availability of Native American mental health services is severely limited by the rural, isolated locations of many tribal communities. Over 50% of Native Americans and Alaska Natives live in small towns or rural areas, many of which have been designated by federal health authorities as critical shortage zones for mental health professionals. Some areas have a ratio of more than 30,000 people per psychiatrist, making access to care a significant challenge.
There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes across the continental U.S. and Alaska. Some tribes have more than one reservation, some share reservations, and others have none. Most clinics and hospitals administered by the Indian Health Service are still located on reservations. However, not all Native Americans reside on reservations, reducing their ability to access the critical mental health care they need.
Barriers to Native American Mental Health Services
The American Psychiatric Association has identified some of the barriers Native American people face when attempting to access behavioral health care, including:
- Economic barriers due to cost or lack of insurance
- Limited knowledge of mental health issues
- Lower education levels and pervasive poverty
- Lack of culturally appropriate services
- Insufficient intervention strategies, including integration of mental health and primary health care services
- Shortage and/or high turnover of mental health professionals in their communities
- Mistrust of health care providers
- Continuing lack of accurate data and research on Native Americans
Stable Provider Relationships Through Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is a powerful solution that can help meet the mental health service needs of remote Native American populations. FasPsych works closely with tribal healthcare providers to develop sustainable telepsychiatry programs tailored to each community’s specific needs.
Connecting to Long-Term Care
When it comes to online psychiatry, building stable, reliable relationships is essential. Patients will connect with the same provider for every appointment, so they can develop the rapport and trust that produces positive clinical outcomes. We welcome your involvement in the provider selection process so you can identify the provider(s) who will be the best fit for your community.
When it comes to online psychiatry, building stable, reliable relationships is essential. Patients will connect with the same provider for every appointment, so they can develop the rapport and trust that produces positive clinical outcomes. We welcome your involvement in the provider selection process so you can identify the provider(s) who will be the best fit for your community.
Our provider network includes:
- Adult Psychiatrists
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs)
- Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialists
Reliable Telemedicine for Tribal Communities
FasPsych is committed to bridging the gap in Native American mental health services by providing reliable, culturally sensitive telepsychiatry solutions. Our flexible service will:
- Work with you to recruit the ideal provider for your community.
- Provide secure, reliable access to video conferencing software for appointments.
- Help identify Medicaid and Medicare registration numbers and approval by additional carriers as necessary.
Partner with FasPsych for Expanded Mental Health Access
By partnering with FasPsych, tribal healthcare organizations can increase access to mental health services, reduce wait times, and ensure continuity of care for Native American communities. Contact us today to learn how our telepsychiatry solutions can support your tribal community’s mental health needs.