We are honored to welcome Todd Spath, LMFT, as our new Behavioral Health Director at United Indian Health Services. Todd brings years of leadership in tribal and community-based behavioral health, along with a deep commitment to American Indian mental wellness and culturally grounded healing.
UIHS Behavioral Health supports the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of our community including individual and family therapy, substance use treatment, culturally grounded recovery groups, and crisis support. At its core, Behavioral Health at UIHS is about more than addressing symptoms – it is about restoring balance, strengthening families, and supporting healing across generations.
Todd is of Yaqui and Chiricahua Apache descent, and American Indian mental health has been central to his professional focus. He understands that behavioral health within Native communities cannot be separated from history, including the lasting impact of displacement, systemic injustice, and generational trauma. At the same time, he believes deeply in the resilience, strength, and cultural knowledge that continues to sustain Native people and communities.
Todd began his professional journey as a high school science teacher in underserved Los Angeles communities. There, he witnessed how trauma and limited access to resources affected youth and families. Wanting to make a more direct impact, he transitioned into nonprofit behavioral health and later became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and completed his master’s degree at Alliant International University. Over the years, he has served in diverse roles including private practice owner, Intensive Outpatient Program manager, clinic director in a rural mountain community, Behavioral Health Director at Sonoma County Indian Health, and most recently as Executive Director of a residential recovery center in Sonoma County.
Throughout his leadership roles, Todd has emphasized systems of care that are trauma informed and culturally responsive. He believes behavioral health services must honor identity, culture, and lived experience while delivering high-quality clinical support. Healing, particularly in Native communities, is strongest when it is rooted in relationships and guided by the community.
At UIHS, Behavioral Health plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use disorders, and major life transitions. It also emphasizes prevention and early intervention, helping youth build resilience and supporting families through change while reducing stigma around seeking help.
Todd first learned about UIHS through a professional leadership training group, where he connected with Dr. Chris Myers, Chief Medical Officer at UIHS. He was drawn to the purpose of United Indian Health Services and the opportunity to serve within a tribal health system rooted in community values. He believes recovery is not simply the absence of illness, but the presence of connection, purpose, culture, and hope. When services are accessible and grounded in respect, they become tools for generational healing.
Outside of his professional role, Todd values balance and self-care. He enjoys running, reading, and spending time with his wife of 33 years, Tanya, and their two adult daughters, Summer and Kiana.
We are honored to welcome Todd Spath as Behavioral Health Director and look forward to the continued growth of services centered in culture, healing, and community strength.