The Department of the Interior announced plans to increase access to behavioral health support at Bureau of Indian Education schools. The Bureau will provide the added support through a contract with Tribal Tech, LLC, a Native-owned small business. The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funds 183 grade and high schools serving about 47,000 students. BIE also manages two colleges.
The Department of the Interior announced plans to increase access to behavioral health support at Bureau of Indian Education schools. The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funds 183 elementary and secondary day and boarding schools serving approximately 47,000 students. BIE also oversees two postsecondary schools. The Bureau contracted with Tribal Tech, LLC, a Native owned small business, to run the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program.
“The Interior Department is committed to creating positive, safe and culturally-relevant learning environments. I am proud of the hard work by the Bureau of Indian Education to ensure that Indigenous youth have the support they need in a culturally-relevant and supportive environment for their physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.
Indigenous Focused Behavioral Health Support
The Program provides virtual counseling and on-site crisis support to both students and school staff. Additionally, the Program gives evidence-based and trauma-informed support, with an Indigenous focus. The Program also tailors services to meet the unique and diverse needs of tribal communities.
“Mental wellness is a key component of every student’s success,” said BIE Director Tony Dearman. “We will focus these resources on the unique issues that face our Indigenous students with a clear emphasis on suicide prevention, crisis services and behavioral health through an Indigenous lens. We believe this will have a significantly positive impact throughout Indian Country by supporting future leaders, reducing generational trauma and promoting healthier lives.”
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Culturally Sensitive Counseling
Services also focus on short-term, solution-focused, and culturally sensitive virtual counseling, and a 24/7 crisis hotline. Indigenous clinicians staff most of the program clinical team. They have direct experience serving Native communities.
The Program also provides various types of technical assistance and hosts trainings to promote suicide prevention and other resiliency-focused topics. Staff at schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education will continue to have access to training and certification for Youth Mental Health First Aid, virtual talking circles, monthly behavioral health webinars, and professional development opportunities.
Learn More
To learn more about the Bureau of Indian Education, visit its website.
