August 2024

WELCOME TO BeHERE NV!

The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is a new workforce development initiative to increase the number of providers of behavioral health care in Nevada. In 2023, the Nevada Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 37 to create a statewide behavioral health workforce development center within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). In September 2023, the NSHE Board of Regents designated the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to serve as the administrative hub for BeHERE NV and to build connections across the state.

Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo, PhD, CPC, LCADC-S, NCC, ACS, CPGC-I

Provider retention in Nevada is crucial for ensuring that our residents receive consistent and quality mental and behavioral health care. BeHERE NV recently distributed an online survey to mental health professionals in Nevada. Consequently, we were excited by the quick and active response of 80 respondents. Thank you for your feedback!

Guided by the topic of current professional challenges and ideas for retention, several key recommendations emerged from the responses. Respondents identified that increasing pay rates and offering higher reimbursement for interns are essential steps to making the profession more attractive and sustainable. Additionally, educating high school and college students about mental health career opportunities can create a pipeline of future professionals. Efforts to reduce tuition debt by incentivizing work in underserved communities, along with providing scholarships and loan forgiveness, can alleviate financial burdens for new professionals.

Responses also focused on the importance of enhancing professional development, professional community, and support. For example, hosted annual behavioral health conferences for continuing education units (CEUs), affordable training opportunities, or monthly professional gatherings that foster a sense of community and collaboration. Other emerging topics included simplifying the licensing process, easier credentialing, and the ability to transfer licenses from other states. Establishing stronger legislation around insurance practices, such as ensuring fair reimbursement rates, can protect professional's financial stability. Creating a liaison between colleges and licensing boards to clarify post-graduate requirements and having easier access to available state supervisors can streamline the transition from education to practice. 

Thank you to those who participated in the survey. Your feedback will help BeHERE NV develop initiatives based on your recommendations! We will continue to send out surveys, request interviews, and pursue ongoing data collection.

 If you are interested in receiving our surveys, please click or scan the QR code. Your responses help shape our future endeavors in building and enhancing our behavioral health workforce! 

Building Futures: Safer Schools, Healthier Students, Stronger Communities Conference attendees

Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo, Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach

The Building Futures: Safer Schools, Healthier Students, Stronger Communities Conference was an exciting event dedicated to enhancing educational spaces. It featured a blend of insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging activities. BeHERE NV was pleased to contribute by sharing valuable information and resources about our services, supporting the goal of fostering safe and healthy school environments for all students.

BeHERE NV recently participated in the Nevada Association for Career and Technical Education (NACTE) conference, which took place in Lake Tahoe, NV. During the event, Dr. Jill Manit and Dr. Sara Hunt presented a breakout session on Be Blue and BeHERE NV: Partnerships for Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion. It was truly an honor for the team to connect with a diverse group of educators who excel in career and technical education. This experience not only provided valuable networking opportunities but also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

We spy Winnie at NACTE

NACTE Conference 2024

Dr. Jill Manit, Associate Director of Education and Training

Winnie and the BeHERE Team learned so much about career and technical education 

BeHERE NV is excited to introduce our latest feature - the behavioral health pathways tab on our BeHERE NV page. This innovative tool is carefully curated to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals looking to explore career opportunities within the NSHE institution. By offering an overview of the various pathways available, we aim to empower and inspire individuals to embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in behavioral health.

BeHERE NV was honored to be a featured guest on the Youth Move Nevada Podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring important conversations about mental health and advocacy for young people. It was an incredible opportunity to share our insights, experiences, and passion for supporting youth in their mental health journeys and careers. We are grateful for the chance to amplify our message and connect with a wider audience that is equally committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals. This episode focused on careers in mental health, featuring BeHERE NV guests Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo and Jill Manit.

Keep up with all of our latest updates by subscribing to our newsletter, and please share them with your contacts. We will be posting monthly updates on our progress and more on BeHERE NV. Don't forget to explore the February, March, April, May, June, and July edition of the BeHERE NV Newsletter. Can’t wait to have you along on this journey with us!

Funding for BeHERE NV was made possible by Assembly Bill 37 (2023, 82nd Nevada Legislative Session) and the Nevada System of Higher Education