New support group for suicide attempt survivors at CPN Behavioral Health Services

Linda Swearingen, LADC, joined the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Behavioral Health Services staff in July and will expand the Nation’s offerings for those affected by suicide. Her peer support group for survivors of suicide attempts beginning in October 2023 will be the first of its kind offered at CPNHS.

New Behavioral Health building to open winter 2023

CPN Behavioral Health Services anticipates the opening of a new facility this winter. The building will incorporate Potawatomi language and cultural items, and will offer expanded space for services. New staff will also join the team.

Behavioral Health, House of Hope reflect on PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can be caused by a wide range of events, including natural disasters, combat, bullying, accidents and historical trauma. The Native population in the U.S. suffers the highest rates of PTSD, along with Latino and African American populations. CPN Behavioral Health Services and House of Hope offer a number of resources for those experiencing PTSD.

The cunning nature of addiction

No other illness can conjure up feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, and despair like addiction. CPNBHS Licensed Health Service Psychologist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Dr. Julio Rojas explains the cunning nature of addiction, and announces an upcoming event on the subject.

Hownikan Podcast: Dispelling therapy myths

During this episode, CPN Behavioral Health Services’ Dr. Julio Rojas discusses stigma and myths of therapy as treatment and the experience itself. He is a Licensed Health Service Psychologist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with decades of experience helping clients overcome trauma, addictive disorders, substance abuse and improve their quality of life with psychotherapy.

Hownikan Podcast: July 2022

This episode discusses CPN Health Service’s new telehealth platform for all Tribal members in the U.S., makes a visit to a recent opioid overdose awareness event held by CPN Behavioral Health and talks with District 7 Legislator Mark Johnson about his reelection in June.

Hownikan Podcast: May 2022

This episode focuses on Behavioral Health Awareness Month and the societal stigma of having behavioral health issues. We also meet the only Citizen Potawatomi Nation member serving in the Oklahoma legislature and hear about a study on tribal economic impact in Oklahoma.

Reducing stigma in mental health treatment

Dr. Julio Rojas, psychologist and licensed alcohol and drug counselor at CPN Behavioral Health, discusses factors contributing to stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction, and advocates for comprehensive and compassionate care.

Behavioral health department plans for 2022 expansion

CPN Behavioral Health will build a new clinical building thanks to a grant from the U.S. Indian Health Service. The current clinic is 4,300 square feet with care provided by eight professional staff, including one psychiatrist, three psychologists and five counselors. The new building is expected to house more providers, therapy rooms, a larger space for group therapy and a planned observation deck.

Self-Care Awareness Month brings together ways to focus

As a licensed professional counselor, Rickey Whisenhunt works with Citizen Potawatomi Nation Behavioral Health patients on their self-care and affirmations as tools to improve their mental health. Self-Care Awareness Month in September is an excellent time to create new habits.