As winter settles in, many of us within Alaska Native and Native American communities may feel the weight of long nights, cold landscapes, and the swirl of expectations that come with the holiday season. For some, this time of year brings deeper feelings of isolation, sadness, grief, or anxiety, especially when separated from loved ones, navigating loss, or confronting painful memories. The shorter days, changes in light, and the hustle of the season can intensify recurring struggles with depression, loneliness, intergenerational trauma, or cultural disconnection.

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At the same time, the holidays also remind us of the strength of community, the power of shared stories, and the comfort found in gathering, whether physically, spiritually, or through memory. This December, we honor that duality: acknowledging the pain that often rises in winter, and affirming hope, connection, and resilience rooted in our cultures, our elders, our relations, and our enduring spirit.

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As we wrap up 2025, we also celebrate the ways the broader world of psychology is evolving, in ways that may benefit our communities now and in years to come. Here are encouraging developments from this year that give us hope and inspiration:

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1. Indigenous Healing Practices Now Covered by Insurance. For the first time ever, for many in our communities, traditional healing practices such as sweat lodges, drumming, talking circles, ceremonies, and other culturally rooted healing are eligible for coverage under Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via waiver expansions in several states. That means culturally-grounded care can now be more accessible and affordable. (Source)

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2. Breakthroughs in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Research published this year pointed to impressive outcomes: for example, substantial relief from PTSD and depression for participants in controlled studies involving substances like MDMA or psilocybin offering new hope, especially for treatment-resistant mental-health challenges. (Source)

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3. AI-Enabled Mental Health Support Gains Real Ground. This year saw the rise of new AI-powered therapy tools and mental-health chat systems that offer accessible, personalized support, expanding access for people who face barriers to traditional therapy. (Source)

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4. Community & Youth Empowerment in Psychology: New Voices and Energy. The Western Psychological Association (WPA)’s 2025 conference inspired many students to envision psychology as a tool for social change, highlighting that more young people are now ready to carry cultural sensitivity, trauma awareness, and community-centered care into the future. (Source)

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5. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), IHS, and SAMHSA held a Tribal Consultation to address the opioid crisis and behavioral health / substance-use issues in Native American and Alaska Native communities, a meeting space for tribal leaders and public-health experts to review challenges and promising practices, including culturally adapted programming. (Source)

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Federal Regulations updates for 2025

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Turquoise Alert: Arizona's Commitment to Missing Indigenous PersonsIn a significant legislative move, Arizona has passed House Bill 2281, establishing the "Turquoise Alert" system for missing Indigenous persons. This alert system, named in honor of 14-year-old Emily Pike, aims to raise awareness and expedite responses to cases involving Indigenous individuals. It's a step toward healing and justice for families and communities affected by such tragedies.

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With the introduction of new legislation limiting EDI programs, experts are shifting toward inclusion-focused approaches to ensure support while balancing diverse needs. Leaders like Tabbye Chavous, PhD, emphasize the ongoing importance of EDI in promoting equitable access and success. Ella F. Washington, PhD, notes that EDI initiatives have faced fluctuations in support over the years, encouraging organizations to stay consistent in their commitment.

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To explore more about how EDI efforts are evolving, visit the APA website.

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Updates: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule on July 10, 2024. Find more info: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/cms-federal-rule 
 

Medicare changes in 2025. The final rule on the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule brings some good news for psychologists and aims to increase access to behavioral health services. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/2025-medicare-changes
 

Extensions of telehealth access options. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Final Rules (“Final Rules”) Are Released: Plans and Issuers Must Prepare for January 1, 2025 Effective Date (US). Find more info: https://www.triagehealthlawblog.com/hhs/mental-health-parity-and-addiction-equity-act-final-rules-final-rules-are-released-plans-and-issuers-must-prepare-for-january-1-2025-effective-date-us/