California Increases Access to Traditional Healing Practices for Substance Use Treatment

A Historic Step Toward Health Equity: California’s Medi-Cal Coverage for Traditional Healing Practices

In a groundbreaking announcement, California’s State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith expressed profound gratitude to the tribal leaders and Urban Indian Organization partners whose unyielding advocacy has officially brought traditional healing practices into the Medi-Cal system. Starting January 1, 2025, Indigenous Health Care Providers (IHCPs) will be able to request Medi-Cal reimbursement for Traditional Healer and Natural Helper Services. This monumental policy shift signifies a decisive step toward promoting health equity while honoring the diverse cultural heritage of California’s Native communities.

The Importance of Traditional Healing

Kiana Maillet, a licensed therapist and owner of Hiichido Licensed Clinical Social Worker Professional Corporation, emphasized the cultural significance of traditional healing practices. “It is vital that we honor our traditional ways of healing and understand they are as important and valuable as Western medicine,” she asserted. The acknowledgment of these ancient practices not only serves to heal the body but also nurtures the spirit, addressing the deep-seated cultural and historical wounds that many Native communities have faced. Traditional healing, rooted in the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous peoples, represents a vital aspect of identity and community life.

As communities work to reclaim these practices—once stifled through historical oppression—they find empowerment and pathways toward healing intergenerational trauma. Maillet’s perspective highlights a crucial understanding: moving forward in health requires a comprehensive embrace of cultural identity, fostering resilience for future generations.

A Collaborative Approach to Implementation

The process for implementing this change involves continued collaboration with tribal partners and stakeholders. In the forthcoming months, California will initiate consultations with tribes to develop detailed guidance on how these services can be effectively integrated into the Medi-Cal framework. This collaborative effort ensures that the unique needs and perspectives of tribal communities are front and center, paving the way for a holistic health approach that encompasses both traditional and contemporary wellness practices.

Reflecting on Historical Injustices

This initiative is part of a broader narrative of healing and reconciliation between California’s state government and its Native American populations. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a formal apology to Native peoples and established the California Truth and Healing Council, highlighting the state’s commitment to address historical injustices. The Council’s work, coupled with the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs, has led to the development of various policies and programs focused on enhancing health and social equity for Native communities.

The new Medi-Cal coverage for traditional healer and natural helper services builds directly on these prior initiatives, reinforcing longstanding investments in substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment specifically tailored to tribal and Urban Indian communities. Programs like the Tribal MAT Project are instrumental in enhancing resources for health care and recovery.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis

Moreover, the integration of traditional healing into Medi-Cal aligns with California’s overarching strategies to combat the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic. This initiative is detailed in the Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, emphasizing a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that incorporates traditional methods of healing as part of a broader public health framework.

The state’s efforts are not only about addressing immediate health crises but also about fostering a long-term, sustainable approach to well-being, combining the best of traditional practices with contemporary health care solutions. Enhanced access to healing resources reflects an understanding that successful recovery and health outcomes are most effectively achieved through comprehensive care that respects cultural traditions.

A Path Forward

The approval of Medi-Cal reimbursement for traditional healer and natural helper services is more than just a policy change; it is a recognition of the value of Indigenous knowledge and culture in the realm of health care. As communities prepare for its implementation, the focus will be on creating an inclusive framework that honors the wisdom of traditional practices while ensuring the accessibility and quality of care for all.

This historic initiative marks a crucial point in California’s ongoing journey toward health equity, cultural respect, and community healing, symbolizing hope and a commitment to honoring the traditions that enrich the state’s diverse Native populations. As more Indigenous communities regain access to their traditional healing practices, the potential for healing, resilience, and improved health outcomes remains paramount, not just for today but for the generations to come.