The Indian Health Service, a division of the United States Public Health Service, is responsible for providing mental health services to approximately 500,000 American Indian and Alaska Native people. During the past 13 years the service has built a mental health program with inpatient and outpatient services, innovative projects to alleviate special Indian mental health problems, and statistical reporting procedures, all under increasing Indian leadership. During 1974, the mental health outpatient services reached three percent of reservation Indians. Inpatient services were provided by two hospitals and contracts with state hospitals. Future plans provide for increased services for children, new inpatient facilities, and expanded support of innovative approaches in Bureau of Indian Affairs dormitory personnel training and traditional Native American healers.