A new program has been created in Nevada to tackle the issue of psychosis in youth ages 15 to 25.
Enliven, a program through the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and The Children’s Cabinet, helps young adults by offering case management and individual and family support assistance with vocation and education.
First Lady Kathleen Sandoval and DHHS Director Richard Whitley hosted an opening yesterday at the new Enliven location in Sparks.
“The main need we are addressing is to provide intensive wraparound and mental health services to youth,” said Sandoval, director of operations for The Children’s Cabinet and Enliven. “I am very excited about this program because it is a national model that we are able to implement for the first time in the state that will provide much needed services to this population.”
State officials said the issue of psychosis in youth is serious.
“There is a significant population that already carry a diagnosis,” said Dr. Tracey Green, chief medical officer for the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. “The goal is to address the population early with an integrated approach and intensive treatment, and help prevent other negative outcomes such as truancy, substance abuse and in worst cases, suicide.
“Each state receives a mental health block grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and this year, there is a requirement to address first episode psychosis. This is an important issue for youth and young adults across the nation.”
