About Us
The mission of the Indian Health Service is to raise the health status of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people to the highest level possible. The Division of Behavioral health functions as the primary source of national advocacy, national policy development, management, and administration of behavioral health initiatives, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, tele behavioral health, and family violence prevention programs for Indian Health Service federal facilities.
In 2011, IHS published a behavioral health strategic plan and a briefing book detailing goals and objectives for dealing with suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, and other behavioral health issues in Indian Country, renewing IHS partnerships with Tribes, forming collaborations with other agencies and organizations, reforming IHS along with emerging national health care laws, and improving access to and quality of care.
IHS's Behavioral Health fact sheet page contains overview information on the program and is also available to download in PDF format.
The latest communication from the IHS Director is available on the IHS Director's Blog page. Dear Tribal Leader Letters (DTLL) are available on the Tribal Leaders Letters page.
