February arrives quietly and powerfully across Turtle Island. It is a time of deep winter in many homelands, a season of reflection, storytelling, rest, and preparation for renewal. For Indigenous peoples in urban, rural, and remote communities, February holds space for both resilience and remembrance, offering opportunities to reconnect with community, culture, and wellbeing.

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Across Turtle Island, February includes important observances and celebrations. Inuit Day (February 2) honors Inuit culture, history, and contributions, particularly across Inuit Nunangat and urban Inuit communities. World Wetlands Day also falls on February 2, reminding us of our sacred relationship with land and water and the responsibility to protect ecosystems that sustain life. Throughout the month, many communities observe Black History Month, recognizing the deep, intertwined histories of Indigenous and Black peoples, shared struggles, and shared futures.

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February is also a time when many Nations hold seasonal teachings, mid-winter reflections, fasting periods, or community gatherings, some public, many held privately according to cultural protocols. While these practices vary widely among Nations, they often emphasize balance, relational accountability, and care for the mind, body, spirit, and land.

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Holding Mental Health with Compassion
 

This February unfolds amid ongoing challenges across Turtle Island. Extreme weather events, political uncertainty, cultural harm, community violence, displacement, and personal or collective grief continue to affect many of our relatives. These experiences can weigh heavily on mental health, especially during winter months when isolation and stress can intensify.

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At the Society of Indian Psychologists, we affirm that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. Indigenous mental health is rooted in relationship, to self, family, community, ancestors, and future generations. Healing may come through ceremony, therapy, cultural reconnection, creative expression, or simply being witnessed and heard.
 

If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, crisis, or thoughts of self-harm, support is available:

• United States: Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)

• Canada: Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (evenings)

• StrongHearts Native Helpline (U.S.): 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) — confidential, culturally-grounded support for Native and Indigenous peoples affected by violence

• If you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services
   

If you are outside these regions, we encourage reaching out to local Indigenous organizations, health centers, or community leaders for culturally relevant support.

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Moving Forward Together
 

February reminds us that even in the coldest season, life is gathering itself underground. As Indigenous psychologists, students, helpers, and community members, we walk together, holding grief with care, honoring survival, and nurturing hope.

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May this month bring moments of rest, connection, and gentleness. May we continue to uplift Indigenous knowledge, protect our communities, and support mental wellness across Turtle Island, today and for generations to come.

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Federal Regulations you may have missed 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/