October 2025

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.

IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

BeHERE NV Turns Two! 01

Molina Funding Updates! 02

BeHERE Mentors Spotlight 03

COMING SOON : Advisory Consortium 04

BeHERE NV Engages Lifelong Learners 05

Career Compass: A Virtual Summit 06

2025 Technical Needs Assessment 07

BeHERE in Action! 08

We have so much to share! Be sure to click on "View Entire Message" to see all of this month's content.

BeHERE NV Reaches its Two Year Anniversary

Just over two years ago, in Winnemucca, a bill draft was conceptualized -- to build a statewide network for expanding the behavioral health workforce. After passage in the 2023 Nevada Legislature, it was Assembly Bill 37 that created BeHERE NV. We are proud to now mark our two year anniversary! Today, thanks to a relentless team and collaborators across government, the Nevada System of Higher Education, K-12 schools, licensing boards and community partners, BeHERE NV has grown into a statewide hub for education, support, and outreach. In the past two years we have launched programs, connected with thousands of people across the pipeline of behavioral health careers, and have dug in deep to the workforce data across the state. None of it would have been possible without every partner pulling in the same direction. We already have our eyes on year 3 with big plans ahead! We are proud of what we have built, grateful for everyone who showed up, and excited for what’s next.

BeHERE NV–Molina Clinical Supervision Grant Cycle 2 Now Open!

BeHERE NV, in partnership with Molina Healthcare, is offering financial support to pre-licensed postgraduate counseling interns across Nevada through this Clinical Supervision Grant. This opportunity provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement for intern supervision costs incurred between July 1 and September 30, 2025.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants serving in rural areas, school-based settings, or crisis care. To qualify, interns must be registered with a Nevada licensing board, work at least 20 hours per week in an internship site, and pay for their primary and/or secondary supervision out-of-pocket. This initiative is part of BeHERE NV’s mission to strengthen Nevada’s behavioral health workforce by expanding access to required clinical supervision.

The application deadline is October 15, 2025. Applications are available online HERE, and questions can be directed to info@beherenv.org. **Please note that previous recipients of a BeHERE NV Molina clinical supervision grant are not eligible for this cycle.**

BeHERE Scholarship Mentors

BeHERE NV was fortunate in 2024 to receive funding for scholarships from the Nevada Department of Health and Humans Services through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant (SG-2024-00437). Over the past year, we have featured a BeHERE Scholar of the month. This group of scholars have been paired with a community mental health professional for mentorship throughout the first two years of their Master's programs. We now want to shine a light on our community mentors who have been so gracious and impactful in sharing their time and expertise with our BeHERE Scholars. Last month we featured the mentors working with our UNLV students - enjoy learning more about our UNR mentors!

Grettel Beltran, LMFT

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Grettel Beltran has been serving the Reno community for over four years, offering an integrative approach to trauma processing and nervous system healing. Her journey into the mental health field began through community outreach and working with Spanish-speaking families, experiences that continue to shape her practice today.

For Grettel, the BeHERE Scholars program plays a vital role in building meaningful connections and strengthening clinical skills. “It’s a privilege to witness how this scholarship provides real-time support and shapes the direction of each mentee’s clinical abilities,” she shares. By offering a safe space to consult, process academic demands, and navigate challenges, the program gives mentees support that was often missing in the past—especially for those who face additional struggles along the way.

Becoming a mentor is also a deeply personal commitment. “Part of my journey is to become the kind of support I once needed,” Grettel reflects. “I believe in paying it forward. Together, we heal, and together we move through the pain of suffering.”

Grettel's mentorship experience has been both affirming and inspiring. “You can only help your clients as deep as you’ve helped yourself,” she notes. “This experience reminds me that mental health work never stops—and that support is always available when we ask.”

Frank Flores, LCPC, LADC

As a dually Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Frank Flores has been serving the Reno community for the past five years. With a passion for helping others, he brings both expertise and compassion to his role as a BeHERE Scholars mentor.

Frank believes the scholarship program provides mentees with more than financial support—it offers confidence, community, and connections. “The scholarship shapes the futures of the mentees by creating networking opportunities and connecting them to their community earlier in their careers,” he explains. “It provides a secure launching point where they can engage in a variety of resources with greater confidence.”

For Frank, becoming a mentor is a way to honor those who guided him. “I have had wonderful and brilliant mentors who assisted me in navigating the work of therapy. This is my way of showing appreciation for the wisdom they shared with me while passing it along to another generation of therapists.”

He also finds the experience mutually rewarding. “Professionally, the mentorship has been symbiotically enriching for me as well,” he reflects. Through his mentorship, Frank is not only shaping the future of his mentees but also strengthening the broader mental health community.

Kayla Shannon, LCSW

With nine years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kayla Shannon brings both expertise and passion to her role as a BeHERE Scholars mentor. Currently serving as a therapist and MAT Program Coordinator at Northern Nevada HOPES, she specializes in treating trauma and substance use disorders—areas where compassionate, skilled professionals are deeply needed.

For Kayla, mentoring is about more than guidance—it’s about investing in the future of the mental health field. “Being and having a great mentor is such a gift in so many areas of life,” she shares. “It’s a privilege to get to know others entering into the field, and I see it as a rewarding opportunity to give back.”

Kayla believes scholarships like BeHERE play a critical role in shaping stronger communities by equipping more individuals to meet the growing demand for mental and behavioral health services. “Our communities are rapidly growing and we need more skilled mental health professionals,” she notes. “I hope this scholarship encourages more people to consider pursuing this important work.”

Through her mentorship, Kayla is helping ensure that the next generation of clinicians enters the field not only with knowledge but with the encouragement and support needed to thrive.

BeHERE NV Advisory Consortium

BeHERE Nevada is establishing an advisory consortium in accordance with Assembly Bill 37 and NRS 396.793. Meetings are subject to Nevada Open Meeting Law and more information will be posted on our website.

BeHERE NV Engages Lifelong Learners on Workforce Solutions

Last month, three members of the BeHERE NV team—Dr. Sara Hunt, Dr. Ashley Noel Pruitt, and Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo—presented at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV’s Soapbox series. OLLI, a program for lifelong learners—many of whom are retired or semi-retired professionals—serves as a forum for meaningful dialogue on critical issues impacting Nevada and its communities.

The BeHERE NV team highlighted the state’s current behavioral health workforce challenges and shared innovative strategies focused on expanding and retaining the workforce—beginning with career awareness in K–12 environments and extending through higher education and adult learners. With more than 75 attendees in person and nearly 90 joining virtually, the presentation fostered thoughtful engagement and broadened awareness of statewide initiatives aimed at strengthening Nevada’s behavioral health pipeline.

By connecting with OLLI members, BeHERE NV seeks to inspire deeper involvement in mental health and legislative initiatives, drawing on the knowledge, influence, and civic commitment of this dynamic community. Engaging audiences like OLLI reinforces BeHERE NV’s mission to build and sustain a robust behavioral health workforce that can meet the needs of all Nevadans.

Career Compass: A Virtual Summit for New Behavioral Health Professionals

Visit HERE to Register

BeHERE NV wants to hear from you! 🌟 We are conducting a short survey to better understand the technical assistance needs of Nevada’s behavioral health workforce. Your feedback will help guide resources, training, and support to strengthen the pipeline and ensure professionals across the state have what they need to succeed. Survey open until 11/15/2025!

Take the 2025 Technical Assistance Needs Survey Here!

BeHERE In Action!

BeHERE NV Executive Director Dr. Sara Hunt, and Associate Director of Technical Assistance and Policy, Dr. Ashley Noel Pruitt attend the Las Vegas HEALS Legislative Wrap-Up covering the outcomes and impact of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session.

Drs. Jill Manit and Sarah Hartzell attended the 2025 Washoe County Youth Mental Health Summit, which featured dynamic, data-informed presentations and powerful youth panels offering genuine perspectives on today’s challenges. At the resource fair, BeHERE NV connected with local providers and partners, and we were proud to see Washoe County School District’s Human & Social Services CTE programs represented by Roni Green (Reed High School) and Raynee Kendall (Hug High School).

Dr. Ashley Noel Pruitt “Riding the Waves of State Health Policy” at the National Academy for State Health Policy annual conference in San Diego.

BeHERE NV was recently able to attend the 2025 Bonanza High School Career Fair. In there time at the fair, BeHERE was able to engage with over 150 students.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH US!

Stay up-to-date on our latest news by subscribing to our newsletter! Please share it with your network. We'll be posting monthly progress updates and more about BeHERE NV. You can also find past editions in the BeHERE NV newsletter section of our website.