December 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.

EXPLORING WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IN NEVADA

Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo

On November 14th and 15th, I had the privilege of joining a distinguished group of Nevada policymakers, behavioral health experts, and representatives from Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions on a visit to the University of Oregon’s Ballmer Institute at its Portland campus. This trip provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about the Institute’s innovative approach to preparing bachelor’s-level behavioral health specialists who are ready to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

During the visit, we gained insights into the Ballmer Institute’s programs, which focus on equipping students with the skills and training necessary to address behavioral health challenges across communities. The discussions sparked ideas and inspired possibilities for developing a similar initiative in Nevada, with the goal of creating new career pathways and expanding the behavioral health workforce to meet the growing demand in our state.



The delegation included:

• Councilman Brian Knudsen, City of Las Vegas Ward 1
• Senator Rochelle Nguyen
• Senator Roberta Lange
• Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno
• Tara Raines, Ph.D., Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada
• Michelle Paul, Ph.D., UNLV
• Megan Freeman, Ph.D., Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada
• Leonardo Benavides, Esq., UNLV
• Michael Flores, UNR
• Dave Neldberg, Assistant to Councilman Knudsen
• Arrion “AJ” Tadlock, Student Intern to Councilman Knudsen

As BeHERE NV’s Assistant Director of Outreach and Recruitment, I was deeply honored to join these influential policymakers and experts. Together, we explored how a program like the Ballmer Institute could directly address Nevada’s workforce challenges. I am excited to continue partaking in these impactful conversations.

Gabriela Avina

UNR Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program

Gabriela Avina’s passion for mental health care stems from a deep desire to break the stigma surrounding it and promote its importance. As a member of the Latinx community, she recognizes the unique challenges faced in accessing mental health services, but believes that having providers who represent the community is a crucial step forward. The BeHERE Scholarship enables Gabriela to continue advancing her career without the burden of financial stress. Her ultimate goal is to open her own practice with an entirely bilingual staff, from receptionists to providers, to better serve the growing Latinx community in Northern Nevada and combat the stigma around mental health.



Gabriela was overjoyed when she learned she had received the scholarship, recalling the emotional moment when she called her mother, crying tears of relief and happiness, knowing that the financial burden was no longer a concern. She felt blessed and validated, grateful that someone recognized the value of the services she aims to provide in the future.

Outside of her professional ambitions, Gabriela enjoys staying active, particularly through dancing. She loves taking dance lessons and often invites her friends to join her. Dancing allows her to connect with the music, release stress, and enjoy the moment with others.

BeHERE NV Partners with UNR Community Behavioral Health Collaborative to Expand MFT and CPC Supervisors in Nevada

BeHERE NV is excited to partner with the UNR Community Behavioral Health Collaborative on this initiative to increase the number of MFT and CPC supervisors in Nevada. To apply for the course, please click this link: https://unr.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eA4hMYCNrOcSj0q. For more information about the course and scholarship opportunities, please email Megan Weller at meganweller@unr.edu.

K-12 OUTREACH IN NORTHERN NEVADA

On November 13th, Dr. Jill Manit presented a workshop for UNR Upward Bound students, where 30 students registered, and a waitlist quickly formed! The session covered essential mental health information and career opportunities, followed by an energetic round of Jeopardy to test students' knowledge. We’re grateful to Upward Bound for the chance to connect with their amazing students and are excited about future workshops. Earlier that same day, Dr. Manit joined Mrs. Roni Green, the Human & Social Services CTE teacher at Reed High School, for “Raider Con,” an event where students explored college and career paths. This collaboration between BeHERE and Reed High School showcases the benefits of education-industry partnerships!

Reed High School's Mrs. Roni Green discusses behavioral health career paths with students

Yuhan Bi, Dr. Miranda-Alfonzo, Dr. Manit, and Dr. Hunt at the Junior Achievement Inspire Fair

Yuhan Bi and Dr. Hunt helping a student explore career opportunities in behavioral health

Dr. Manit and Dr. Miranda-Alfonzo leading a workshop

SilverSummit Healthplan sponsoring snacks for BeHERE NV at the JA Inspire Fair

The BeHERE NV team was thrilled to engage with Clark County middle and high school students during the JA Inspire Fair. In addition to the career fair, over 250 students attended BeHERE’s workshop “Behavioral Health: Careers that Change Lives!” During the workshop, students used the Healthcare Careers in Nevada books to learn about different pathways in behavioral health. After sharing what they learned with their peers, they left inspiring notes for the next group of students as a reminder to always have compassion for oneself and others!

Dr. Hunt preparing to serve delicious meals

Ashley Noel Pruitt volunteering to distribute beverages

Dr. Jill Manit, Adriana Monroy, and Dr. Sara Hunt distributing waters

Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine Administrative Assistants

This November, BeHERE NV had the privilege of volunteering at UNLV Health Mojave Counseling's Traditional Thanksgiving Feast, a special event where staff provide a Thanksgiving meal to Mojave clients, their families, and group homes as a way of giving back to the community. For BeHERE NV, it was an opportunity to focus on what truly matters—supporting our community. Our staff had a great time serving food, drinks, and connecting with Mojave’s clients. The event was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from giving and expressing gratitude. In addition, BeHERE NV generously donated items collected by the UNLV Administrative Assistants, who gathered donations from all departments to benefit the Shannon West Homeless Youth Shelter Center (SWHYC) this holiday season.

Position: Part-Time/Full-Time Mental Health Consultant

Location: Sierra Nevada Job Corps

Compensation: $75/hour (1099) – Paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly (your preference)

Hours: Flexible (20, 30, or 40 hours/week – choose your preferred days, M-F)

Position Overview: Rural Remedy, LLC is seeking a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to fill a Mental Health Consultant position at the Sierra Nevada Job Corps. This role focuses on providing mental health services to students ages 16-24, including assessments, pre-admission interviews, short-term counseling (EAP-model), and connecting students with outside mental health services as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and pre-admission interviews
• Provide short-term counseling (EAP-model)
• Assist students in accessing additional mental health resources
• Document visits with students through contact notes (no treatment plans, no insurance companies)

Qualifications:

• One year post-licensure experience working with adolescents/young adults (ages 16-24)
• Active Clinical Social Worker license in Nevada (LCSW), or LMFT/CPC considered depending on experience
• Current General Malpractice Liability Insurance

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Edward Shelley, LCSW

Owner/Psychotherapist/Center Mental Health Consultant

Rural Remedy, LLC

P.O. Box 61494, Reno, NV 89506

Phone: (775) 450-3013 (business cell)

Email: Ruralremedy2020@gmail.com

UNLV President Keith Whitfield with Dr. Miranda-Alfonzo and Dr. Hunt at the Hope in Action Event

Dr. Manit, Dr. Hunt, and Dr. Miranda-Alfonzo at the BeHERE NV table during the Hope in Action event

Hope in Action, sponsored by Hope Means Nevada, is a day dedicated to kindness, connection, and change. BeHERE NV had the opportunity to attend and share information about behavioral health careers in Nevada with local youth. Attendees explored mental health resources, walked the UNLV campus, and met inspiring community leaders and influencers who make a daily impact. The event aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health.

Keep up with all of our latest updates by subscribing to our Newsletter, and please share 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, July, August, September, October, and November 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