LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A bill in the Nevada Legislature aims to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools and children’s programs to assist tens of thousands of children and families lacking access to care.
Nevada consistently ranks 51st in the country for mental health services for children, according to Mental Health America. Data from the Clark County Children’s Mental Health Consortium in 2021 found that 86,000 children in the Valley needed mental health services, with more than 60% of children experiencing depressive episodes failing to receive necessary care.
Psychologist Michelle Paul, assistant vice president of Mental & Behavioral Health Training at UNLV, stated, ‘In the district, the ratio is roughly one school psychologist to 1,200 students. To meet the national average, we would need 1,200 psychologists today.’
She added, ‘It’s difficult to find a provider. If you are a parent or caregiver trying to find help for your child, you’re faced with long wait lists.’
Senate Bill 165 proposes creating a bachelor’s degree for “behavioral health and wellness professionals” at institutions like UNLV. Professionals trained under licensed psychologists would work in schools, screening children and training staff to identify warning signs.
Deputy Director of Children’s Advocacy Alliance Tara Raines remarked, ‘Before COVID, we had children in distress without the resources to serve them. Now, we have exponentially more kids dealing with anxiety and depression, yet resources remain scarce. It’s crucial that we equip these children with the necessary tools for mental wellness.’
According to Paul, increasing the number of professionals would facilitate early interventions, potentially detecting the early onset of serious conditions like schizophrenia. ‘By doing this, we can either prevent the disease or lessen its severity,’ she explained.
The proposed bill also includes the establishment of a residency for psychology graduate students, a move aimed at keeping training within the state.
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