Friendship House

Friendship House Association of American Indians in San Francisco is a Native-led organization dedicated to healing and recovery through the power of culture, community, and compassion. Founded on the belief that culture is medicine, Friendship House blends traditional Indigenous healing practices with modern therapeutic approaches to address substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and emotional well-being. Their holistic system of care honors American Indian values, integrating ceremony, counseling, education, and wellness into every aspect of treatment.

At the heart of Friendship House is its residential Adult Treatment Program, where participants live in a supportive, culturally grounded environment for up to six months, with an option for extended care. Through daily structure, talking circles, smudging, sweat lodge ceremonies, and individualized counseling, clients learn healthier ways to manage anger, stress, and addiction. These anger management and behavioral therapy components are designed to replace destructive habits with constructive coping skills, helping clients reclaim balance and peace.

Programs like the Women’s Lodge offer mothers a safe space to heal alongside their children, emphasizing family unity and empowerment. With 92% of graduates remaining sober six months post-treatment, Friendship House’s approach has proven highly effective. Guided by Indigenous values of respect, community, and resilience, Friendship House continues to create pathways to long-term recovery, helping individuals rediscover strength, identity, and purpose. Through culture, connection, and care, the organization stands as a beacon of hope and healing for Native peoples and the broader San Francisco community.