Navajo center to treat behavior issues

SHIPROCK, N.M. (KREZ) – Beginning Monday Feb. 15 the Navajo Nation will be accepting patients at their brand new Regional Behavioral Health Center in Shiprock.

The center will provide substance abuse treatment and co-occurring mental health services.

The 56,000 square-foot facility is the first of its kind in the United States because it is run by the Navajo Nation for the Navajo Nation.

“We really look at integrating the Navajo philosophy of hozhoo and having those basic building blocks in our treatment process,” Clinical Specialist Vera John said.

With 72 beds and a staff that speaks Navajo, the Navajo Department of Behavioral Health Services believes this facility will fill an enormous need.

“The rural and isolation and availability of resources out here is so limited that this is going to work out here and people will want to come to treatment,” Department of Health Services Planner Mike Salabiye said.

The center took nearly 14 years and $16 million to realize. With the hiring process still underway they plan to open in phases, treating male adolescents beginning on Feb. 15, 2010.

Programs for men, women and women with children will follow later this year.

Treatment is free to those who can provide a certificate of Indian blood.

“This is a dream come true for a lot of people, there’s a lot of people that have hit bottom that are out here,” Salabiye said.

“We really look at helping these individuals grow emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically,” said John.

It’s a holistic approach to healing in a setting where cultural beliefs are a priority, not an afterthought.

The Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral Health Services said the center is just the first step in addressing behavioral health issues. They say if all goes well, they plan to open similar facilities across the reservation.

“I think the impact is going to be just saving lives, intervening and having a place where people who need help are willing to come and get help,” Salabiye said.

If you would like to find out more about the Navajo Regional Behavioral Health Center you can contact them at 505-368-1050.