Molina Healthcare of Nevada Observes Mental Health Awareness Month with Lasting Partnerships to Improve Behavioral Health in the State

This May, Molina Healthcare of Nevada (“Molina”) is observing Mental Health Awareness Month. As proclaimed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, this observance is a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and increasing access to mental health resources for all Nevadans. At Molina, we recognize the important role behavioral health plays in overall health, and we work diligently with our members, their families, and the communities we serve every day to ensure they have the resources needed to support their wellbeing.

In Nevada, more than 2 million residents live in communities that do not have enough mental health professionals, which could cause difficulties for the almost 500,000 adults in the state who live with a mental health condition, leading to delays in care that negatively impact health outcomes.

To address these critical gaps, Molina supports a variety of programs and initiatives that reach Nevadans through innovative partnerships with community-based organizations. These partnerships are a testament to our greater mission to improve access to and integration of physical and behavioral health care services. Here’s a look at what we’ve done this year:

Partnerships to Help Build the Behavioral Health Workforce

Nima Alinejad, chief medical officer at Molina Healthcare of Nevada, provides remarks at NAMI’s National Board of Directors meeting reception in support of the new NAMI Western Nevada and Carson City Sherriff’s MOST partnership

Molina’s partnerships with Nevada Health Centers (“NVHC”) and NAMI Western Nevada (“NAMI”) strive to bolster Nevada’s behavioral health workforce and strengthen local resources for residents in need. Our collaboration with NVHC, a nonprofit organization providing healthcare services, is enabling them to fill formerly vacant key positions, such as licensed clinical social workers and marriage/family therapists, ensuring those in Elko, Carson City, and rural counties have access to important services. Funding has also helped to bring bilingual staff on board to Las Vegas NVHC locations.

With NAMI, Molina helped pilot the integration of a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (“PRSS”) to assist the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Mobile Outreach Safety Team (“MOST”). This team is composed of law enforcement and mental health professionals helping divert those facing mental health crises from jail and ensure they are connected with appropriate care. Since approximately one in five police calls are linked to a mental health or substance abuse crisis, and PRSS services have been proven to be effective for those with substance abuse disorder, the MOST team will be well-equipped to handle the unique needs of these individuals.

Enhancing National Mental Health Collaboration

*Nima Alinejad, chief medical officer at Molina Healthcare of Nevada, presents $90,000 grant check to Behavioral Health Association of Nevada*

To assist with capacity-building, Molina supported partner Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (“BHAN”) by sponsoring its membership of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (“National Council”), an organization composed of mental health and substance use organizations and experts across the country. As a member of the National Council, BHAN has access to insights and best practices from other members that can help inform and improve care for Nevadans. This membership also unlocks custom consulting that allows BHAN the learning and resources needed to continue to improve access to high-quality behavioral healthcare.

Supporting First-of-its-Kind Crisis Diversion Facility in the State

*Molina team presents $200,000 grant check to the Human Behavior Institute’s new 24/7 Integrated Crisis Diversion Center*

Through a partnership that first began in 2023, Molina helped Human Behavior Institute (“HBI”) develop the first 24/7 independent integrated crisis intervention center in Nevada. The 23:59 Crisis Diversion Center offers an alternative to traditional emergency room admissions for patients who do not fit the criteria for inpatient or outpatient services, offering them a coordinated care setting to be evaluated and receive wraparound support. Additional Molina funding has helped HBI purchase a van to transport patients to their new facility.

Expanding Resources Available to Molina Members

To address the mental health needs of Nevada’s youth, Molina also teamed up with BeMe Health (“BeMe”) to expand access to behavioral health resources. Through this innovative partnership, Molina Medicaid members have access to on-demand support through BeMe’s behavioral health app. The easy-to-use mobile platform offers a seamless way for users to access content tailored to their current mood, skill-building activities, and personalized coaching via text. The platform has been shown to have a positive impact on self-esteem, and a pilot evaluation reported decreases in moderate or severe anxiety and depression among users.