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. | |  | |
Happy Birthday, BeHERE NV! 01
Best Wishes 02
Technical Needs Assessment Report 03
New Funding: BeHERE Trainee Fund 04
Award: Dr. Sarah Hartzell 05
Credit for Prior Learning 06
New Washoe County Support Group 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.
| | Celebrating Three Years of BeHERE Nevada! | | |
BeHERE Nevada is celebrating its third birthday! 🎉 Over the past three years, BeHERE has continued building connections, creating opportunities, and supporting the growth of Nevada's behavioral health workforce.
This milestone is a chance to celebrate the people, partnerships, and moments that have helped shape BeHERE’s journey. We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of the story and excited for all that’s ahead.
Happy 3rd Birthday, BeHERE Nevada! Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and impact. 💚
| | In August, BeHERE’s Administrative Assistant, Chris Rocket, concluded his time with our program. Chris joined our team in August 2025, and played an important role in supporting the continued growth and development of our center and initiatives. He contributed to our marketing and social media efforts while providing invaluable support across all areas of our work. We will miss his creativity, positivity, and commitment to the mission of BeHERE. We are grateful for Chris’s many contributions to BeHERE and wish him all the best in the next chapter. | | Explore our Technical Needs Assessment Report | | |
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
BeHERE NV is excited to present the results from our 2026 Technical Assistance Needs Assessment Report. Conducted biennially, this survey offers vital data to track evolving provider needs. Gathering input from all 17 Nevada counties, the report below highlights the critical challenges facing behavioral health providers, the resources needed, and preferred support methods.
Key findings shed light on essential areas like insurance billing, licensing, clinical supervision, and policy navigation, while showcasing how needs vary across urban, rural, and frontier communities. Use these insights to advocate and ensure initiatives are shaped directly by Nevadas behavioral health workforce professionals.
Dive into the full dataset below and help drive Nevada forward!
| | New Funding: BeHERE Trainee Fund | | |
Applications are now being accepted to offset the costs (up to $1,000) of licensure/certification exam preparation materials, exam registration fees, and/or Nevada licensing/certification board fees. The application period for the first round of the Trainee Fund will be open from October 1, 2026, through October 15, 2026.
Please note: Only purchases made between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026, will be considered for funding. Priority will be given to students and interns who are dedicated to serving Nevada in their professional careers.
For eligibility details and more information, click the image above or visit our BeHERE NV page.
| | BeHERE NV’s Dr. Sarah Hartzell Receives Silver Star Award ⭐ | | |
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Hartzell, who was honored with the Silver Star Award for Mental & Behavioral Health at Truckee Meadows Tomorrow’s 2026 Accentuate the Positive celebration!
The Silver Star Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion, leadership, and dedication to improving quality of life in Washoe County. Sarah was recognized for her commitment to strengthening mental and behavioral health through workforce development, community engagement, research, and advocacy. We are proud to have Sarah as part of the BeHERE NV team and congratulate her on this well-deserved community recognition!
To learn more about the event go to https://www.truckeemeadowstomorrow.org/accentuate-the-positive
| | NSHE Launches "Take the Credit" Campaign | | |
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) launched “Take the Credit,” a new systemwide Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) campaign to help more Nevadans earn college credit for college-level learning gained through work, military service, professional training, certifications, exams, and other experiences. When CPL credit applies toward a student’s program, it can mean fewer courses, lower costs, and a shorter path to a degree or certificate.
At Nevada.edu/CPL, you can learn how CPL works, what can count, and what to do next. The site also connects with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; the University of Nevada, Reno; Nevada State University; the College of Southern Nevada; Great Basin College; Truckee Meadows Community College; and Western Nevada College to learn more about what is possible at each college or university.
You learned. You earned it. Now take the credit!
| | New Support Group: Washoe County Behavioral Health Providers in Recovery | | |
A new support group is launching in Washoe County for behavioral health and recovery professionals who are also navigating their own recovery. Supporting Those Who Support Recovery provides a confidential, supportive space for PRSS, CHWs, clinicians, case managers, outreach workers, and other behavioral health professionals to connect with others who understand the unique experience of working in the field while maintaining personal recovery.
📅 Begins: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ Wednesdays | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 1135 Terminal Way, Suite 108, Reno
Strengthening Nevada’s behavioral health workforce also means supporting the well-being of the people doing this important work.
This initiative is offered by Wellness Without Barriers NPO in partnership with Steppingstone Behavioral Solutions, LLC, with funding through Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Funding.
📩 Questions? Contact April Lang-Barroga at aprillangbarroga@steppingstoneofnv.com.
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Supporting Next Step for NECTA Students
BeHERE NV recently spent time with seniors in Northeast Career & Technical Academy's (NECTA) Human & Social Services (HSS) CTE program, joined by students from the school’s Teacher in Training program, for an interactive session focused on preparing for life after high school.
Our new BeHERE graduate assistant, Cassia Ciciliano, developed an “Identity-Impact Story Map” tool, an activity to help students think about what matters to them, what they want from their future, and how those motivations might connect to careers in behavioral health and other helping professions. Students then rotated through stations exploring careers, college and training programs, application deadlines, and potential barriers to reaching their goals.
A key part of the session was small-group conversations with Dr. Roberta Miranda Alfonzo and the BeHERE team, giving students an opportunity to talk about where they are in their planning, what they are still figuring out, and what kinds of support would be most useful. This work is just the beginning: what we learn from the Seniors will help BeHERE design targeted supports and a stronger “warm handoff” from high school to college, training, employment, and other next steps.
| | 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. | | | | Funding for BeHERE NV was made possible by Assembly Bill 37 (2023, 82nd Nevada Legislative Session) and the Nevada System of Higher Education | | | | |
