The next generation of mental health heroes is here. Let's train them.

A growing cultural shift is happening: More young people are recognizing the importance of mental health. As awareness builds, so does an opportunity — not just to reduce stigma, but to spark interest in mental health careers.

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The United States is facing a growing mental health crisis, and few states feel the impact more than Nevada.

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The American Psychological Association reports that 60% of psychologists cannot take on new patients because their caseloads are already full. In Nevada, the challenge is especially acute: Mental Health America ranked the state 45th in the nation for access to mental health care in 2024. In our rural counties, the situation is even worse. Our current behavioral health system is strained, and we need bold, coordinated efforts to expand access and build the workforce.

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The opportunity: Youth interest + mental health awareness

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The good news is that Generation Z is showing unprecedented awareness about mental health and they are significantly more comfortable discussing the issues publicly, including on social media. This shift in attitudes is also shaping career goals: A survey by Trade & Industry Development found that jobs related to mental health and well-being were among the top career interests for Gen Z students in 2024. This is a well-timed opportunity to expand and diversify the behavioral health workforce by channeling Gen Z's mental health consciousness into structured career pathways in counseling, psychology and psychiatry.

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The increased interest in mental health is also evident in the nation’s medical schools, where more young doctors are choosing to enter the field of psychiatry. At the state level, UNLV's Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine reports that its Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health has taken on more of its graduates than any other graduate medical education program. Counseling has similar growth, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in employment for psychologists between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations. These upward trends indicate a sustained interest in behavioral health careers, which need to be supported through expanded training programs, robust funding, and early pipeline development.

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Actionable steps to build the pipeline

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The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, & Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is working towards the goal of increasing the behavioral health career workforce by introducing high school and college students to the field with internships, mentorships, career fairs, and launching Nevada’s first behavioral health summer camp.

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Community organizations such as the Northern and Southern National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Nevada offer paid internships for young adults to become peer recovery support specialists and community health workers. Reed High School launched Nevada’s first NAMI on Campus High School Club in 2024, while programs like HOPE Squad, Hope Means Nevada’s Teen Committee, and Youth MOVE Nevada’s podcast empower youth to promote mental wellness.

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At the policy level, it’s critical that we invest in scholarships, training, and loan forgiveness.

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A call to action

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In today's mental health crisis, we don't need capes — we need everyday heroes. Youth today have more mental health awareness, and many are eager to channel that passion into careers in behavioral health. But even heroes need support. By investing in education, community programs, and policy, we can build a behavioral health workforce strong enough to meet Nevada’s growing needs.

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Originally published at https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/2025/06/16/the-next-generation-of-mental-health-heroes-is-here-lets-train-them/84225728007/