Behavioral Health Program

  • 24/7 CRISIS LINE:   509.634.2610
  • Open Mon-Thur 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Phone:   509.634.2610
  • Fax:   509.634.2607

We offer a wide variety of counseling services to people of all ages with substance use issues (drug or alcohol), mental health concerns, or upsetting life problems. 

Our trained counselors can help with problems such as depression, family conflicts, anxiety, phobias, substance use, relationships, and adjustment to difficult life situations like grief and loss. Our experienced qualified staff are trained to deal with the most difficult problems with professionalism, sensitivity, and strict confidentiality.

Services

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation works to ensure all Native Americans have the support needed to have the quality of life desired through culturally infused behavioral health services. Behavioral Health services support the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

We provide:

  • Information and Referrals

  • Evaluations/Screening

  • Individual Therapy

  • Group Therapy

  • Family Counseling

  • Culturally Relevant Treatment

Substance use disorders used to be thought of as a social problem in which an individual lacked the necessary willpower to stop using a substance. Today, however, substance use disorders are considered a mental health problem and a chronic disease characterized by compulsive and impulsive behavior that leads to changes in brain function and chemistry.

Luckily, there are options available for people who are dealing with substance use disorders. These options include abstaining from use, harm reduction treatment, residential treatment, and medication assisted treatment.

Our trained counselors provide:

  • Information and Referrals

  • Evaluations/Screening

  • Individual Therapy

  • Group Therapy

  • ADIS

  • Intensive Outpatient

  • Culturally Relevant Treatment

We can help your child with self-esteem, bullying, relationships, isolation, mood swings, aggression, self-harm, suicide talk or attempts, drug & alcohol use, or other issues that arise during their school years.

No one plans for a crisis or emergency – they happen. We are here to help you.

During regular office hours (Mon.-Thurs. 7 am-5:30 pm) call (509) 634-2610 or stop by HHS at the Lucy Covington Government Center (1st floor just before the elevators) and someone will help support you.

If you require a mental health or chemical dependency screening, we will schedule one and make referrals to other community support agencies when needed.

Other resources:

988, option 4 – Text, chat or call and speak with a trained Native American counselor if you need support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis or to get connected with a trained crisis counselor.

Text the word “NATIVE” to 741741 and you’ll be connected with a trained crisis counselor – free, confidential, and available 24/7.

You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call the Veterans Crisis Line. Access free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline, (844) 762-8483 is a confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT.

Crisis services for LGBTQ2S people are available 24/7 from The Trevor Project at (866) 488-7386 or by texting START to 678678.

Our Team

Carla Arnold

SUDP
Carla's Bio

Linda Bart

LMHC
Linda's Bio

Megan Bryant

DPD Trainee
Megan's Bio

Zach Feist

LMHC
Zach's Bio

Kellie Mann

LMHC
Kellie's Bio

Ira Michel

LMHC
Ira's Bio

Candace Nigh

LCSW
Candace's Bio

Amanda Palmer

Cultural Specialist
Amanda's Bio

Deb Ordeiro, MSW

LICSW
Deb's Bio

Karen Severns, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist
Karen's Bio

Bernadine Villegas

SUDP
Bernadine's Bio

Colleen Waters

SUDP Trainee
Colleen's Bio

Chris Yallup, MSW

SUDP
Chris's Bio

Sean Warner

SUDP
Sean's Bio
Facebook Instagram

Casey Moore, GCHA, MPA

Health & Human Services Director

  • Location:
    Lucy F. Covington Government Center,
    Ground Floor • Nespelem, WA
  • Phone:
    509.634.2610

We are here to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities.

  • Programs & Services
© 2026 All rights Reserved. Design by Tran Creative

Carla Arnold

Substance Use Dependency Professional (SUDP)

I come from Southern Indiana on the Ohio River. I have twenty years combined experience working in the correctional setting. I have worked the last six years in addictions services both in correctional programming and outpatient services. I have a BA in Addictions Studies, BS in Psychology, and AS in Law Enforcement. My goal is to provide case management to those incarcerated to assist in release planning. Currently I am facilitating psycho-educational programming groups for those incarcerated with substance use/alcohol disorders. I also work in the BHP outpatient services for treatment of substance use disorders. Washington State is beautiful and my family and I are enjoying all the outdoors has to offer here!

Linda Bart

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

I am a fully Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington. My office is located at the Behavioral Health Program in Nespelem. I am a life-long resident of the Colville reservation. I love my reservation communities and people! I have worked for the Colville Tribes in various positions including the Crisis Residential Centers, area schools, mother/child safe housing, Head start, and Behavioral Health for the past 25+ years providing direct mental health services. 

I provide strength-based, client-focused, trauma-informed and culturally relevant counseling to children, families, and adults. I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). 

Away from work I enjoy photography, being in nature, gathering and foraging foods and medicines, travel, and attending my granddaughter’s various sport activities. Life is good – I am happy to be here!    

Megan Bryant

Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) Trainee

I am finishing my Associate’s at Wenatchee Valley Community College in Chemical Dependency Counseling. I moved to Elmer City in 2015 and love living in a small town raising my two children. My passion has always been helping others, and I have worked as a Nursing Assistant since 2008. I am incredibly honored to have been selected to be part of the behavioral health program as a Substance Abuse Professional Trainee. I plan to continue my education in mental health to serve others. My goal is to help people on their journey to recovery and to help them stay on the Red Road.

Zach Feist

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

I am located out of the Omak clinic. I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary of North Dakota where I studied Psychology, Philosophy, Theology and Wellness.  I relocated here from North Dakota/Minnesota.  I enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting.  I also love health and fitness. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health.  I am fully licensed to practice in mental health and related areas. 

I have specialized training in trauma informed care practices such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and families to address behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse issues. I have experience providing in-home family therapy, individual, adolescent, group, couples, residential and outpatient treatment and services. I am a certified clinical supervisor and am able to work with trainees and future licensees for licensure. My orientation is trauma informed with a holistic approach to therapy. 

Kellie Mann

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

A skilled practitioner in restorative practices and community healing, my therapeutic commitment centers safety, belonging, and dignity. I relocated from the southside of Chicago, IL with a degree in Forensic Psychology to serve and be of service. Previous work experience includes disruption within county jails, state prisons, public schools/residential treatment facilities, and police departments. Twenty years of social service experience includes in-home treatment throughout New York City, Milwaukee, WI, and New Orleans, LA. I studied abroad in Israel and participated in a months-long service learning project in The Gambia, West Africa.

A dedicated decade of social justice work from clinical practice to prison reform, what I offer is space for healing. I believe in dynamics and transformation. I work to erect a posture of forward movement. 

Ira Michel

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Hello, my name is Ira Michel. I am an enrolled Yakama Nation member and a descendant of the Colville Tribe through my late father, Bruce Michel. I have lived on the Colville reservation all of my life.

I completed my AA degree at Wenatchee Valley College in chemical dependency studies and worked as a Substance Use Disorder Professional at Okanogan County Juvenile youth services in 2006. After being fully licensed, I built the youth treatment program at Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, where I assisted youth and adults with substance use disorder needs. In 2012 I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, specializing in the treatment of substance abuse. I am currently finishing my Master’s program in Psychology with an emphasis in substance abuse, which I started in 2019. I am currently working with the Colville Tribal Behavioral Health program as a Mental Health Professional. I have a certification in peer counseling and for a period worked for the WISE program (wraparound with intensive services). WISE is a program designed to support children who are one step away from hospitalization with a team approach. I loved working with schools, parents or guardians and legal systems while with this program. Helping kids remain safely at home and stable emotionally and mentally was very fulfilling. I am trained and skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Aggression Replacement Training, Moral Recognition Training, in-patient and out-patient treatment, peer support counseling, harm reduction and general Substance Use disorders in many capacities.

It is my firm belief that there is no separation between mental health and substance abuse, they co-occur in all cases. The journey I take with clients is to help them find their personal healing and happiness, wherever that might lead.

Candace Nigh

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

I’m stationed at the San Poil Residential Treatment Center in Keller. I love being surrounded by nature – the beautiful San Poil River, mountains, forests, deer, and wild turkeys. I relocated from Indianapolis, Indiana where I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and enjoy working with children, adults, and families to address behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse issues. My focus in treatment is to help individuals identify their values so they can live a joyful, meaningful life. 

I am married and have two adult children who are both married. My husband Joseph and I enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, listening to music, and traveling.

Amanda Palmer

Clinical Cultural Specialist

sləxlaxt waý x̌ast sx̌əl x̌ʕalt (Hello friends, good day.)

My name is Amanda and I am an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes affiliated with the bands Entiat, Moses-Columbia, Palus, San Poil and Wenatchi. I was born in Omak and raised in Nespelem, where I will be raising my two sons. I am proudly one of the Clinical Cultural Specialists that work under Behavioral Health and get the privilege of also working with clients of the newly San Poil Treatment Center. I have almost earned my bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Washington. We are collaborating diligently to eliminate barriers to care and develop strategies that blend traditional native teachings with evidence based practices and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe in holistic approaches and have a knack for scientifically evidence-based practices; I cannot wait to help people in all walks of life obtain a sense of belonging and understanding.

I have spent the last 7 years living an alcohol-free sober lifestyle which propels me to encourage my elders, my peers and the youth to do the same. It takes work, not just to say no, but to address the problems that come along with any type of dependency issue that have solely affected American Indian communities since the white men began to try and steal away our existence. I believe that we are derived from some of the strongest nations and aim to restore spirituality while revitalizing efforts that can help people who need it. 

Deb Oreiro, MSW

Substance Use Dependency Professional (SUDP)

I’ve worked for the Tribes and other community programs for many years and I am so happy to be back to with the Tribes as a Behavioral Health therapist in the Omak office.

I am a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. I have a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah and nurses training from Wenatchee Valley College – Omak campus. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker since 2002. My professional orientation is trauma-informed therapy and addressing biopsychological aspects of individuals. I have specialized training in trauma-informed therapy, attachment and bonding, Gathering of Native Americans and other behavioral health training as well.

I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, couples and families. Together we can heal.

Karen (Vassar) Severns, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker

Greetings. I am an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Indians, MT and a descendant of Gros Ventre and Yankton Sioux Tribe.  I obtained my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Cal Southern, Master’s degree from Boston College School of Social Work, Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University, TX and an Associates in Psychology from the University of Alaska.

I have also had practical and extensive experience in Behavioral Health Services, Protective Services, Social Services, Disaster Services, Drug and Family Court Services, Guardian Ad Litem (CASA), Mental Health Counseling and emergency services.  I am also a former Assistant Professor of Social Work and taught a Family Law Guardian Ad Litem class at the University of Idaho Law School.  In my spare time, I volunteer for the American Red Cross and have deployed on a number of national disasters to include 9-11, the Pentagon, Superstorm Sandy in New York and the California wildfires to name a few.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, a licensed Clinical Social Worker, a licensed Advanced Chemical Addiction Dependency Counselor, with clinical supervision designation and a Certified Court Manager (CCM) from the National Institute of Court Management in Williamsburg, VA.  I am also a Grief Recovery Specialist, certified in EMDR and have authored over 50 government, private, pass through and foundation grants.  I am very honored to be serving my relatives on the Colville Nation!  Miigwech (thank you)!

Bernadine Villegas

Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP)

Bernadine Villegas has been working in the field of chemical dependency for thirty-four years, starting as a Residential Assistant for the Puyallup Tribal Treatment Center in Tacoma. She graduated from Pierce College in 1991 and was hired as an Intensive Outpatient Counselor in the Puyallup Tribal Treatment Outpatient Program that same year. After two years, she moved to Intensive Inpatient Services where she worked for 16 years. She was hired as the Outpatient Counselor in the Inchelium district in 2005. After being away for 20 years, it was time to come home to where she was born and raised.

As a Chemical Dependency Professional she works with community members, impacting everyone in the most positive way. She is extremely knowledgeable, caring, loved and respected by everyone in the Inchelium community and everyone else who reaches out to her from the surrounding communities.

Colleen Waters

Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) Trainee

I’m currently enrolled in Northwest Indian College getting my degree in Chemical Dependency. I’m an enrolled Colville Tribal Member and my bands are Nez Perce and Arrow Lakes. I’m from Nespelem, Washington and have lived here my whole life. I love spending time with my family and my doggies. I hope to be an inspiration to my family and community that you can do whatever it is you set your mind to.  

Chris Yallup, MSW

School-Based Counselor

way xast sxlxʕalt, incá iskʷíst Christopher J. Yallup. I am an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. The dialects that I come from are nselxcin, titoqatimt, sahaptin, and lenape. I have been working within the behavioral health field since 2017, primarily as an SUD counselor. I graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Eastern Washington University in 2021. Hobbies I like are, fishing, hunting, and attempting to play golf.
way limlmt, Chris

Sean Warner

Substance Use Dependency Professional (SUDP)

I currently work for the BHP program as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. I have been in this field of work for nearly 10 years now. I finished my bachelors degree in psychology shortly after serving the United States Navy for 6 years. I have worked in detox programs, Colorado Department of Corrections, Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, and was employed at the San Poil Treatment Center prior to coming here. I am currently a student in a masters of addiction program. My goal is to become a licensed mental health professional within the next couple of years. I have greatly enjoyed my time working with the Colville Tribes and look forward to continuing this work in outpatient treatment. I am a fan of family, fishing, motorcycles and football. Go Broncos!

  • 509.634.2610
  • Lucy F. Covington Government Center, Ground Floor, Nespelem, WA
  • Programs & Services