SALT LAKE CITY?When American Indians become victims of crime, Utah?s Crime Victim Reparations program pays for counseling to help them recover.

Now, the state is considering paying for American Indians to get counseling in the form of healing ceremonies performed by tribal leaders.

Arizona and New Mexico already do it, convinced the ceremonies help.

Not only that, American Indian healing ceremonies often are cheaper than therapy by licensed psychologists. Healing ceremonies are usually one time events, completed in one to three days.

Tribal healers often accept payment in the form of sheep, cattle or horses.