Native American organization centers community in mental health work

In Humboldt County, California, Two Feathers Native American Family Services shifted its approach to mental health by prioritizing the needs and values of the Native American communities it serves.

Established in 1998, the organization initially focused on responding to acute mental health needs among Native Americans in rural areas. Recognizing that many people in Humboldt County experience trauma, with half of Native youth struggling with substance abuse and 60 percent involved with support systems.

Two Feathers began to integrate cultural practices with clinical care. Under the leadership of Virgil Moorehead Jr. who became director in 2017, Two Feathers expanded its services and grew its staff, partnering with local tribes and school districts. The organization moved from solely offering crisis intervention to a more holistic model that includes clinical therapy, cultural programs, youth leadership development, and job training.

This change involved revising its mission statement to focus on empowering Native American youth and families, rather than simply reducing suffering. By 2024, Two Feathers served 289 youth in counseling, employed 88 youth, and engaged 476 community members in cultural activities. Participants in leadership programs showed gains in goal setting, school engagement, and reductions in substance use, with 43 percent of workforce program participants finding employment and 36 percent enrolling in higher education.

Two Feathers is now positioned to inform statewide conversations about culturally grounded mental health models and will launch two wellness centers.