Mental Health in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 25% of adults in Nevada experience mental illness each year. This is higher than the nationwide average of 23%.
This state faces a significant challenge with suicide rates, which rose by nearly 15% from 2020 to 2021 and currently rank ninth in the nation. Of these, vetarans and emergency responders are especially suseptible.
The report shows that the veteran suicide rate substantially exceeds the national veteran rate, as well as the rate of the general population. These groups historically suffer from higher rates of PTSD and depression, which can lead to actions like substance abuse as well as thoughts of self-harm.
Much of these also challenges stem from the dire lack of mental healthcare experts in the state, as well as longer-than-average wait times that discourage individuals from seeking treatment.
While the state has tried free and low-cost initiatives in the past, they’re now investing in long-term strategies to help address this growing issue and make sure people can access the care they need. In 2024, BeHERE Nevada officially launched. This program is designed to increase the number of healthcare providers working across the state. The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine is the driving force behind the program, working with local agencies to help recruit and train professionals across the state.
25%
Adults in Nevada struggling with mental illness
9th
Nevada's suicide rate ranks #9 in the country
Free Mental Health Resources in Nevada
The National Alliance on Mental Health of Nevada is an organization that provides support, education and advocacy for individuals and their loved ones who are impacted by mental illness. They offer online and in person support groups, education programs for families, and resources for locating crisis support.
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center is a place of support for survivors of crime, emergency responders and those impacted by the Route 91 Harvest Festival and UNLV shootings. Their services include counseling and spiritual care, victims advocacy, case management, free legal services and community outreach.
The U.S. Vets of Las Vegas is an organization that works to prevent veteran homelessness. Their programs include housing programs that provide temporary and permanent solutions. They also provide free counseling and addiction treatment services, workforce development services, and connect vets with basic need support programs.
The Center in Las Vegas is an organization that provides services to the LGBTQ+ community. This includes a medical clinic for primary care and sexual health, community engagement programs, senior services, youth and family programs, inclusive programming and recovery support groups.
Our Center in Reno is a nonprofit organization that provides services for the LGBTQ+ Community in Northern Nevada. They offer support groups and programming for youth, adults, seniors and families, HIV And STD testing services, recovery communities, and sex education.
Crisis Support Services of Nevada is a lifeline for individuals in need. They provide free and confidential crisis support via telephone hotlines, online resources for people looking for a local therapist or support groups, and professional help for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
The Children’s Mobile Crisis Response Team provides crisis intervention and short term support for children who are experiencing behavioral or mental health emergencies. Their services are provided in person and virtually so people in rural areas have access to care. They help connect families with counseling or treatment providers.
2-1-1 Nevada is a free and confidential service that helps people who are looking for social support and mental health services. They can help you locate general counseling for adults and children, programs that offer psychological testing, crisis hotlines and social services including food banks and homeless services.
Nevada Health Centers provides individuals with an integrated approach to their health. They offer behavioral health services that include psychotherapy by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and psychiatric evaluation and testing for adults and families. They accept Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance and a sliding scale self pay program.
Nevada Mental Health provides mental health care for residents of the state. They offer in person and telehealth psychiatric care for adults and children that includes psychotherapy, TMS Therapy, Ketamine Therapy and psychiatric medication evaluations. They accept private insurance, Tricare, Medicaid and Medicare.
The College of Southern Nevada’s Counseling and Psychological Services(CAPS) helps students who are experiencing college related stress or mental health problems with free confidential solution focused counseling. Their services are by appointment and can be in person or online.
Northern Nevada Hopes provides high quality medical and behavioral health services. Their on site case managers also help individuals meet their basic needs including meals, clothing, shelter, addiction recovery support and more. They accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and offer sliding scale fees for individuals who qualify.
Nevada State University offers five free and confidential counseling appointments per school year for their students through their student wellness services. Appointments are in person and can be made online.
Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS) is a comprehensive community based behavioral health system for adults. This includes inpatient services and outpatient services such as psychosocial rehabilitation, medication clinics, residential programs and a mobile outreach services team (MOST). They accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and sliding scale fee programs.
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services offers a wide variety of programs to support active service members, veterans and their families. These include help with navigating military and vet benefits, suicide prevention services, veterans homes and burial assistance programs.
