Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program - The Bridge to Behavioral Health (BBH): Training a Workforce for At-Risk Youth and Families in Nevada’s Underserved Regions initiative aims to address critical behavioral health workforce shortages in rural and underserved areas of Nevada. The BBH initiative, led by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Nursing, is designed to expand the capacity of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program to train a diverse workforce equipped to meet the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and families. Through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, the BBH initiative will enhance the existing PMHNP curriculum by integrating specialized training in trauma-informed care, youth suicide prevention, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, including emerging therapies such as psychedelics under strict evidence-based protocols. Telehealth integration and cultural competence training will further prepare trainees to serve Nevada’s diverse populations, including LGBTIQA+ youth, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Key activities include establishing strategic partnerships with rural hospitals, school-based health programs, and Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide trainees with experiential learning opportunities in high-need areas. The initiative emphasizes workforce sustainability by recruiting students from underserved communities, offering financial supports such as stipends, and establishing job placement pipelines in rural and underserved regions. Additionally, interprofessional collaboration will be promoted through team-based care models, joint training sessions, and shared care planning to enhance service delivery. The BBH initiative aligns with HRSA’s priorities by addressing youth mental health disparities, integrating behavioral health into primary care, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development. Over four years, the program aims to train 64 PMHNP students, supported by culturally competent faculty and clinical supervisors, to deliver high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health services. This initiative is expected to improve workforce distribution, reduce health disparities, and advance equitable access to care for Nevada’s most vulnerable populations.
