A new proposal in the Nevada Legislature seeks to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools and children’s programs across the state. This initiative aims to provide essential support to thousands of children and families currently lacking access to mental health care.
Nevada has consistently ranked last in the United States for mental health services for children, according to Mental Health America. A 2021 report from the Clark County Children’s Mental Health Consortium indicated that 86,000 children in the Las Vegas Valley required mental health services, with over 60% of those experiencing depressive episodes not receiving the necessary care.
Michelle Paul, a psychologist and assistant vice president of Mental & Behavioral Health Training at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), highlighted the dire need for more professionals, stating, “The current ratio of school psychologists is approximately 1 to 1,200 students. To align with the national average, we would need 600 additional psychologists immediately.”
The proposed Senate Bill 165 aims to address this shortage by creating a statewide bachelor’s degree program for behavioral health and wellness professionals at institutions like UNLV. These graduates would work under licensed psychologists in schools, performing tasks such as screening children, referring families to licensed professionals, and training school staff to identify early warning signs of mental health issues.
Tara Raines, deputy director of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, noted that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many children were in distress due to a lack of resources. The situation worsened during the pandemic, with a notable increase in anxiety and depression among youth. Raines emphasized the importance of equipping children with the tools they need for mental health and wellness.
Paul also pointed out that having more professionals in schools could lead to early detection of serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. “Early intervention can prevent the full onset of these diseases or mitigate their severity, reducing the risk of a child experiencing a psychotic break,” she said.
Additionally, the bill proposes a residency program for psychology graduate students, addressing the challenge many face in finding adequate training opportunities within the state.
This legislative effort represents a crucial step in addressing the mental health crisis among Nevada’s youth and ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive.
