Nevada has established a licensing pathway for a new mental health profession — behavioral health and wellness practitioners — based on the University of Oregon’s Ballmer Institute model. The new law went into effect June 6.
The law adapts an academic program into statewide policy, focusing on early detection and support for youth mental health and their families, according to a July 28 report by KLCC. The goal is to grow the behavioral health workforce and widen the pool of available mental health professionals.
Since its launch in 2022, the Ballmer Institute has been training students to deliver to youth evidence-based interventions, such as stress management and conflict resolution. The institute aims to reverse a decline in child mental health services exacerbated by the pandemic and a rise in conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavioral and thoughts, according to Balmer Institute Executive Director Kate McLaughlin.
The number of behavioral health providers in schools has continued to decline, according to Ms. McLaughlin. This new workforce will support schools by allowing behavioral health and wellness practitioners to serve these communities. This shift aims to help mental health professionals like school counselors and school social workers focus on long-term care for youth.
