The cultural strengths of an indigenous-focused telebehavioral addiction treatment program: a mixed methods analysis

Wheeler, Melissa (2023) The cultural strengths of an indigenous-focused telebehavioral addiction treatment program: a mixed methods analysis. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to better understand the utilization of Native American focused, culturally tailored telebehavioral substance use treatment programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the engagement of Native American clients (N=278) who received culturally centered substance utilizing de-identified client demographics, mental health services, substance use, and number of clinical encounters during the first year of COVID-19. Additionally, this study interviewed Indigenous serving clinicians (N=6) to ascertain the use of integrated and adapted cultural practices into their behavioral health treatment services, particularly those offered at the study site (talking circles, cultural activities), and whether adaptation predicted the number of encounters in a substance use treatment program during the first year of COVID-19. Results indicated that cultural activities and talking circles had the most robust path in the number of encounters in the proposed model. Implications of these findings are discussed and inform recommendations for telebehavioral health service delivery of culturally centered practices for Native American clients. Examination of the relationship between these variables may enhance intervention prevention and treatment efforts and contribute to research on Native American population and current substance use treatment approaches.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM; CULTURAL STRENGTHS; INDIGENOUS- FOCUSED TELEBEHAVIORAL
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
MeSH Subjects:	F Psychiatry and Psychology > F03 Mental Disorders
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Psychological Sciences
Date Deposited:	07 Aug 2026 16:42
Last Modified:	07 Aug 2026 16:42
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6335

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