Medi-Cal Expands Coverage to Native American Traditional Healing for Substance Use Treatment
Starting next year, Medi-Cal will cover traditional healing practices for Native Americans seeking treatment for substance use. This coverage includes services from Native American traditional healers, such as herbal medicine, music therapy, and spiritual rituals. It will also extend to natural helpers who provide counseling and trauma support within tribal contexts.
Elisa Alvarado, a member of Red Earth Women’s Society, expressed support for this initiative. She highlighted the previous challenges of using Medi-Cal and emphasized the need for clearer guidelines moving forward. The state plans to work with tribes to develop effective guidance.
Native Americans faced the highest rates of opioid deaths in 2022. Factors contributing to substance use include systemic oppression, poverty, domestic violence, discrimination, and unemployment. Alvarado noted that many view addiction as a spiritual issue, relating to the concept of soul loss.
Alvarado has over 25 years of experience as a licensed therapist and natural helper. Her approach considers not just visible symptoms but also historical trauma and its effects on individuals. She customizes treatment, which may involve cleansing sessions or referrals to sweat lodges for purification.
Interview with Elisa Alvarado on Medi-Cal’s New Coverage for Traditional Healing Practices
News Directory 3: Elisa, can you share your thoughts on Medi-Cal’s decision to cover traditional healing practices for Native Americans seeking treatment for substance use?
Elisa Alvarado: I wholeheartedly support this initiative. It reflects a long-overdue recognition of the importance of our traditional healing practices in addressing substance use. Historically, accessing Medi-Cal for these services has been challenging, so I welcome the commitment to clearer guidelines going forward.
News Directory 3: What challenges have you encountered with Medi-Cal in the past?
Elisa Alvarado: The system has often lacked the flexibility needed to integrate traditional practices. Many times, the guidelines were unclear, leaving providers like myself uncertain about what could be billed. This new coverage is a step towards a more inclusive approach.
News Directory 3: Why do you think this initiative is particularly important for Native Americans today?
Elisa Alvarado: Native Americans face the highest rates of opioid deaths, alongside numerous systemic issues like poverty and discrimination. Many individuals in our communities view addiction as a spiritual affliction, linked to the concept of soul loss. This initiative allows us to address addiction holistically, which is essential to recovery.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on your treatment approach?
Elisa Alvarado: With over 25 years of experience as a licensed therapist and natural helper, I focus on the interplay between visible symptoms and historical trauma. My treatment may include cleansing sessions or referrals to sweat lodges for purification, always customized to the individual’s needs and cultural background.
News Directory 3: What do you think about the role of traditional healing in health care, especially looking forward?
Elisa Alvarado: Traditional healing plays a crucial role in the overall health of our communities. Studies have shown that these practices can significantly improve recovery outcomes. They not only help individuals heal from substance use but also reconnect them with their cultural identity, which is essential for coping with historical trauma.
News Directory 3: How do you foresee collaboration with the state and tribes in developing the guidance mentioned?
Elisa Alvarado: I believe that meaningful collaboration is key. The state needs to engage with tribes to ensure that the guidelines developed truly reflect our healing practices and needs. This partnership will help foster a more effective and culturally relevant healthcare framework.
News Directory 3: what do these initiatives mean for future generations?
Elisa Alvarado: These initiatives represent hope for future generations. By strengthening our connections to Indigenous roots and promoting holistic healing methods, we can foster healthier communities that honour our traditions, contribute to our well-being, and ultimately pave the way for a brighter future.
The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is the sole health center in the county providing traditional services. Sonya Tetnowski, its CEO, stated that traditional medicine is central to their operations and that they plan to expand services, pending necessary certifications.
Studies show that traditional healing practices can positively impact recovery outcomes. Kiana Maillet, a therapist, emphasized the importance of traditional methods alongside Western medicine, stating they are vital to cultural identity and healing from historical trauma.
These initiatives aim to strengthen connections to Indigenous roots and promote holistic healing for better health in future generations.