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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The chief mental health practitioner of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) has recently achieved board certification as a Diplomate-Fellow in Severe Mental Illness (FSMI). Dr. John Gastorf, director of Cherokee Nation’s Behavioral Health Services, was awarded the distinction by the International College of Prescribing Psychologists and the Prescribing Psychologist’s Register on July 30. Less than a dozen Oklahoma psychologists have the certification.

Gastorf completed 250 classroom hours of post-doctoral didactic training in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals experiencing severe mental illness. He took a written examination and a review of his case samples in order to earn FMSI certification.

"This continued education in the field has not only provided me a better understanding of the psychological needs of many of our patients", Gastorf said, "but will allow the Cherokee Nation to collect a higher rate of reimbursement for my services from private insurance and other third-party resources such as Medicaid and Medicare."

According to Mim Dixon, executive director for the CNO Health Service, new guidelines for the reimbursement of medical services are expected to go into effect some time this year, and being able to collect the maximum allowable benefit helps to expand the tribe’s limited health care funding.

"We are very pleased that Dr. Gastorf has been diligent in the pursuit of this board certification. In addition to the direct care of his own patients, Dr. Gastorf has responsibility for oversight of mental health services to all patients of the Cherokee Nation’s health care system through direction of sixty-six staffers located in our clinics, the Indian Health Service hospitals and the Jack Brown Center. It is a critical function of the tribe’s health service, and we are fortunate to have a person of Dr. Gastorf’s experience in his role." said Mim Dixon.

Gastorf has been with the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Health Service since August, 1996, after having served three years with the Creek Nation Behavioral Health Service. Prior to that time, he was with the OU College of Medicine for eighteen years.