LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Hope Means Nevada has introduced Teen Hope Academy, a free statewide program aimed at equipping Nevada teens with essential mental health tools.
The five-week virtual program, rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and led by licensed professionals, focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
The initiative seeks to empower teens to build resilience, connect with peers, and break stigma.
The launch of Teen Hope Academy comes as Nevada ranks last in the nation for youth mental health, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and education.
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Janna Velasco, executive director of Hope Means Nevada, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Year after year, the data shows that what we’re doing as a state isn’t working — and our kids are paying the price. Teen Hope Academy is our answer — giving teens practical tools, a supportive community, and the reminder that they are never alone.”
Intermountain Health, a partner in this effort, has prioritized suicide prevention as a key community health focus.
The organization has been educating community members, including healthcare providers and first responders, on QPR training (question, persuade, and refer for suicidal risks).
Additionally, Intermountain has distributed approximately 70,000 free gun locks across several states, accompanied by suicide prevention information, to help put time between a crisis and the person at risk.
For those seeking support, resources are available at intermountainhealth.org/behavioralhealth and hopemeansnevada.org.
Intermountain’s free Behavioral Health Navigation Line can be reached at 833-442-2211.
It is recommended to follow up with a primary care doctor for any additional concerns.