Incorporating Art Therapy as part of Behavioral Health Services offered at an Indian Health Services (IHS) Facility: Interviews from the Navajo Reservation

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand how an art therapist would be perceived and utilized at an Indian Health Services (IHS) facility on the Navajo Reservation. Specific focus was on how an art therapist fits into the treatment team, the perceptions of each behavioral health facilitator about art therapy, and their evaluations regarding the desirability of using art therapy with Native Americans. The hypothesis was that art therapy is an appealing and culturally appropriate form of therapy for Native Americans. Art therapy can function as a bridge or intermediary mode of therapy for indigenous populations with a deep-rooted belief in traditional healing. A secondary hypothesis developed the research. Cultural competence of the therapeutic service providers in relation to the population being served (i.e. understanding of nuances within the culture such as spirituality, taboos, political history, indigenous/traditional beliefs, etc.), as well as one’s personal background (i.e. ethnicity, spiritual affiliation, relationship to population, etc.) has relevance in patient outcomes and staff cohesion.