GANADO, Ariz. — Dr. Richard Laughter recently joined the Sage Memorial Hospital behavioral health team. He is the only Native American psychiatrist on the Navajo Nation. With over 15 years of experience in psychiatry and a passion for embracing cultural diversity, Dr. Laughter talks about how traditional healing practices can help with mental health care. In this interview, he explains why cultural elements are important in treatment and how they can help patients get better.
Traditional Healing Practices at Sage Memorial Hospital
Dr. Laughter envisions expanding the cultural diversity in mental health care by offering a variety of practices such as sweat lodges, hogans, teepees, and other traditional structures for patients to access. He also hopes to incorporate Christian practices for those who may not identify with traditional Native American beliefs.
“I envision bringing cultural elements into the hospital, like the Hogan and spiritual counselors. They could operate as a separate entity to serve the entire facility,’” said Laughter. “This way, we can guide people there and make sure they get the specific prayers or support they need.”
These practices will work alongside other treatments like therapy and medication. The goal is to provide a well-rounded approach to healing, combining both Western and traditional medicine.
Other plans include; incorporating programs such as “Wellbriety” which is a Native American approach to healing addiction, and working with community members who may be able to offer unique perspectives on treatment.
About Dr. Richard Laughter
Dr. Richard Laughter was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but frequently visited the Navajo reservation with his parents. His father hails from Shonto, Arizona, while his mother originates from Vanderwagon, New Mexico. His clans are Bit’an’nii, born for T’od’ich’nii. Maternal grandfather is Dibe’l izhini, and maternal grandfather is T’achil’nii. He is a veteran of the USMC and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the infantry.
He obtained his undergraduate degree in human biology from the University of Utah before completing his psychiatry residency at The University of Nevada in Reno. Subsequently, he pursued a Master’s in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.
After graduating, Laughter moved to the Navajo Reservation and began working at Gallup Indian Medical Center. He spent four years there, making a big difference in his service-focused career.
“I have chosen to make this reservation area my home,” said Laughter.” I have seen firsthand the challenges and disparities that our people face in accessing mental health care and I am committed to being a part of the solution.”
AA Program (Wellbriety)
In addition to incorporating traditional healing practices, Sage Memorial Behavioral Health Services is also implementing the Native American 12 Step Program, “Wellbriety.” This program was developed by White Bison and focuses on incorporating cultural teachings into the 12 steps.
Leroy Klassen, a Peer Support Specialist, has recently completed training in the Wellbriety 12 Steps and will be leading sessions Monday through Friday. The sessions will incorporate traditional elements such as talking circles, drumming and singing, prayer, and smudging.
Sage Memorial BHS is also in the process of setting up a sweat lodge and ordering materials for two teepees. They are also planning to hire a traditional practitioner to further incorporate cultural practices into treatment.
In addition to the Wellbriety program, Sage Memorial BHS also offers SAMHSA Matrix Substance Abuse groups, which consist of 54 lessons on coping skills. These groups alternate with Wellbriety sessions in both the morning and afternoon.