Supporting Indigenous Youth
Partnering with Rooted & Restored Collaborative to expand access, deepen cultural connection, and strengthen healing for Native teens.
Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health has partnered with Rooted & Restored Collaborative, an Indigenous Mental Health Collaborative, to train Evolve staff, implement culturally appropriate programming, and extend access to treatment for Indigenous youth.
How We Support Indigenous Youth
Cultural Identity Sessions
One-on-one cultural identify session available upon request with Cultural Advisor. These sessions are a safe space for youth to connect with their cultural identity. Rooted & Restored and the Evolve treatment team will work together to connect resources, culture, and treatment goals.
Indigenous Wellness Groups
These groups are ran by the Cultural Advisor, and are rooted in traditional cultural teaching through medicine wheel teachings, traditional storytelling, cultural activities, and talking circles. They will also incorporate curriculum from Wellbriety/White Bison, Generation Redroad Recovery, NAFFA (Fatherhood and Motherhood is Sacred).
Community Events & Resources
Connecting the youth to local Native community events, ceremonies, sweat lodges, workshops, activities, and resources to continue cultural connection growth. Indigenous youth will be connected to local cultural resources as part of their aftercare plan.
Cultural Respect & Humility Training
All Encinitas and La Mesa staff has been trained on cultural, respect, and humility to better support the Indigenous community in creating an open, safe, and healing space.
In Partnership With Rooted & Restored Collaborative
Brian Frejo, of the Pawnee and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is an entrepreneur and nationally recognized leader in culturally rooted healing and leadership development. He serves as the Culture Director of Rooted & Restored Collaborative and currently facilitates cultural groups and individual cultural identity sessions for Native youth at Evolve’s San Diego locations. He brings over 20 years of experience working with Native American Tribal programs and IHS clinics nationwide. Brian is a certified facilitator for the Fatherhood/Motherhood Is Sacred and Wellbriety/White Bison curricula, and a Trainer of Trainers for Generation Red Road. He specializes in substance use disorders, suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and intergenerational trauma. As a sweat lodge and earth lodge ceremony leader and southern straight powwow dancer, Brian integrates traditional practices with modern approaches to healing. His work is grounded in cultural connection, leadership development, and strengthening identity through ceremony and community.
Brian Frejo, of the Pawnee and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is an entrepreneur and nationally recognized leader in culturally rooted healing and leadership development. He serves as the Culture Director of Rooted & Restored Collaborative and currently facilitates cultural groups and individual cultural identity sessions for Native youth at Evolve’s San Diego locations. He brings over 20 years of experience working with Native American Tribal programs and IHS clinics nationwide.
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Brian is a certified facilitator for the Fatherhood/Motherhood Is Sacred and Wellbriety/White Bison curricula, and a Trainer of Trainers for Generation Red Road. He specializes in substance use disorders, suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and intergenerational trauma. As a sweat lodge and earth lodge ceremony leader and southern straight powwow dancer, Brian integrates traditional practices with modern approaches to healing. His work is grounded in cultural connection, leadership development, and strengthening identity through ceremony and community.
Treatment at Evolve
At Evolve, we provide a full continuum of care for teens, including residential treatment (RTC), partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Our evidence-based, holistic approach supports both adolescents and their families, with expertise in treating high-acuity mental health challenges, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.
Locations
Evolve has more than 15 locations throughout California designed specifically for teens. Healing Initiatives for Native youth are located in the San Diego region RTCs. Indigenous families are welcome to explore all regions. Please let our admissions team know if you are interested in Los Angeles or Northern California.
Insurance & Access
Evolve works with most private insurance companies on an in-network and out-of-network basis. Tribal MOU rates are available.
Contact our admissions team for a free verification of benefits.
How To Get Started
Step 1: Start the Conversation
Step 2: Free Clinical Assessment
We’ll get to know your teen and assess what level of care is clinically appropriate, ensuring Evolve is the right fit. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll provide referrals to programs that better meet your teen’s needs.
Step 3: A Safe, Supportive Start
On your teen’s first day, you’ll be welcomed by our team, guided through the intake process, and have a chance to tour the program. Your teen will begin their journey in a safe, nurturing environment surrounded by caring professionals.
Visit our Admissions Page to learn more about what to expect and how to get started.
Or call us today for a free assessment:
📞 1-800-665-4769
Questions? We’re here for you.
Not ready for a call? Contact our admissions team in the form below to learn more or to schedule a free assessment.