Thunderbird Treatment Center

Seattle Indian Health Board is currently looking to purchase land to house our new Thunderbird Treatment Center. We are still committed to helping our relatives who need substance use disorder treatment and are starting a new intensive outpatient treatment program in early 2022. We look forward to updating you on the progress of Thunderbird Treatment Center.

READ MORE: Announcing the sale of our Thunderbird facilities and future plans to expand and improve our in-patient services.

Previous inpatient care at Thunderbird Treatment Center

Seattle Indian Health Board has long committed to the health of Native people, and in 1987, we expanded on that promise by opening the Thunderbird Treatment Center—an inpatient substance use disorder treatment center.

Thunderbird Treatment Center provides culturally appropriate treatment for adults through a 45-day intensive program model (White Bison, *Indigenous Psychology Model, developed by Dr. Shawna Gallagher).

Related Links: Behavioral Health Services | Substance Use Disorder Services

64 Beds

Each resident lives with a roommate

30 Staff

Doctors, case managers, dentists, substance use disorder professionals, resident assistants, cooks, janitors, and Traditional Indian Medicine experts

4 Dorms

Each with access to medical room, private showers and bathroom, and laundry room

60 Percent

Graduation rate from Q2 of 2018

45 Days

Intensive program model (ASAM 3.5 level)

24-Hour Access

Complete access to medical and behavioral health professionals

Facilities

  • Administrative Building
    Offices, kitchen and dining area, and multi-purpose room for cultural and group activities.
  • 4 Dorms (Three Male and One Female)
    Two-person rooms, medical supply rooms, laundry rooms, and private showers and bathrooms.
  • Whale House
    Medical services and pharmaceutical services for clients. On-site registered nurse.
  • Dental Van
    Weekly visits from Seattle Indian Health Board’s dental team.

On-Site Case Management

Two weeks into a client’s treatment, they begin working with a case manager and are assessed by an employee of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

The case manager then looks for rapid re-housing opportunities for clients and provides health and social services resources for care after treatment.

Traditional Indian Medicine

Traditional Medicine is at the center of all of Seattle Indian Health Board’s work. Guided by our traditional beliefs and practices, Traditional Indian Medicine is a part of everyday activities at Thunderbird Treatment Center.

  • Sweat Lodge
    Weekly sweats where clients learn about the practice from traditional healers.
  • Sunrise Ceremony
    Morning prayers with medicine and songs.
  • Talking Circle
    Clients learn to listen and respect the view of others and open communication to understand their emotions and thoughts.
  • Drum Class
    After 30 years, a drum class was reintroduced to clients where they learn songs and how to respect the drum.
  • Cooking Class
    Access to traditional foods from a community garden and incorporating into meals.

Healthcare Informed by Indigenous Knowledge

Through our knowledge of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures, policy, and health, Seattle Indian Health Board combines the expertise of its staff to advocate for Native communities and provide holistic care for its patients.

Learn about Indigenous Knowledge Informed Systems of Care