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Behavioral Health

Tides of Strength

Upcoming Events:

Tides of Strength

May 2nd, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Tides of Strength is a community-focused Mental Health Awareness gathering grounded in the teachings of being saltwater people and the natural ebb and flow of emotional wellbeing. Samish citizens, surrounding tribal communities, employees, and their families-of all ages-are invited to come together for a day centered on grounding, regulation, and community connection.

The event will include beginner-friendly yoga, guided breathwork, sound bath sessions, youth activities, and provided resources. A healthy lunch will be provided, and participants can enjoy wellness incentives throughout the day. All attendees will also receive a gift bag to support their ongoing wellness journey.

Spots are limited for yoga, guided breathwork, and sound bath sessions. To ensure a spot, please RSVP below. 

RSVP Here! Tides of Strength RSVP – Fill out form

Mission Statement

To honor and support the strength and sovereignty of the Samish people by promoting healing, resilience, and community well-being.

What Is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health refers to how mental health, emotional well-being, substance use, stress, trauma, and life experiences affect a person’s overall health and daily functioning. Behavioral health recognizes that wellness is influenced not only by physical health, but also by emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural factors.

  • Mental health and emotional well-being
  • Stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
  • Substance use prevention and recovery support
  • Coping skills, resilience, and healthy relationships
  • Community connection and social support

What Behavioral Health Is Not

  • It is not only counseling or therapy
  • It does not always involve medication
  • It is not limited to crisis situations
  • It is not a sign of weakness

How the Behavioral Health Program Supports the Community

  • Helps individuals and families navigate behavioral health resources
  • Provides warm hand-offs and referrals to licensed providers
  • Offers community education, prevention, and wellness activities
  • Supports stigma reduction and mental health awareness
  • Coordinates with peer support specialists and partner agencies
  • Strengthens collaboration across Tribal departments
  • Expansion of culturally informed healing practices

The Behavioral Health Program does not provide clinical counseling or therapy. Its purpose is to coordinate, connect, and support access to care while honoring cultural values and community strengths.

 

Mental Health Resources

Center for Traditional Medicine

Promotes traditional approaches and indigenous knowledge to address public health issues. It also offers several resources for mental health. 

National Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research at the Colorado School of Public Health

Specializes in research on mental health issues among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.

Indigenous Story Studio

Creates illustrations, posters, videos, and comic books on health and social issues for youth (Canada- based)

  • Strength of the Sash and Tomorrow’s Hope: Suicide Prevention
  • Making it Right: Community Justice, Policing
  • Just a Story: Mental Health Stigma
Standing Together: Standing Together was HAN’s first comic book. It was created by youth, on the issues that they felt were important to their community. As it turns out, health authorities felt the same.

One Sky Center

The American Indian/Alaska Native National Resource Center for Health, Education, and Research; mission is to improve prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems and services among Native people.

  • A Guide to Suicide Prevention
  • Presentations and Publications: number of downloadable resources by topic (addiction treatment, adolescents, crisis care & disaster management, disparity of health services, mental health management, and more)

WeRNative

A comprehensive health resource for Native youth by Native youth, promoting holistic health and positive growth in local communities and nation at large

  • My Culture – Wellness and Healing, Identity
  • My Life – My Mind – Mental Health Difficulties, Improve Your Mood, Getting Help, and more (including specific MH issues)
  • My Relationships – Unhealthy Relationships, Communicating, LGBT – Two Spirit
  • Ask Auntie: similar to advice column – type in your question and it will pull up similar ones; if none answer what you’re asking, Auntie Amanda will write up an answer and notify you when it is posted.

StrongHearts Native Helpline

StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a 24/7 confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans.

 

 

 

You may contact us at any time; we are here to assist you any way we can.

Inez Martinez - Behavioral Health Coordinator Email Me!

 

Behavioral health referral form here

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