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12.01.2025

New Program Spotlight: Children’s Mental Health Programs

At First 5 Nevada, we know that a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. When young children feel safe, supported, and understood, they are better able to learn, grow, and build strong relationships. That’s why we are excited to introduce a new program listing on our website: Children’s Mental Health Programs.

This new section brings together information about state and community services that support emotional and behavioral health for children and their families. Whether your family is looking for guidance about big feelings, stress, challenging behaviors, or bonding and attachment, there are programs across Nevada designed to help.

We know that finding care can feel overwhelming. Many families are not sure where to start or what types of services are available. Our goal is to make this easier by giving you clear, simple information about Nevada’s main children’s mental health programs, including those offered through:

• The Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) – Children and Early Childhood Mental Health Services (Clark and Washoe Counties)
• The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health - Rural Clinics (12 Rural Counties)
• Certified Behavioral Health Clinics (Rural and Urban Locations)

Together, these programs create a strong, coordinated network to support your child’s mental and emotional development—no matter where you live in Nevada.

Why Children’s Mental Health Matters Early

Mental health begins at birth. Babies and toddlers experience emotions long before they can talk, and their early relationships shape how they learn to cope with stress, connect with others, and feel safe in the world.

When young children face challenges—such as trauma, changes in the home, developmental delays, or big feelings that overwhelm them—early mental health services can make a major difference.

For infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, support often centers on something called dyadic care. This means working with the child and their parent or caregiver together.

Dyadic care focuses on strengthening your relationship with your child, helping you understand their needs and cues, and building healthy communication and attachment. Strong parent–child bonds are the foundation of lifelong mental health.

Nevada’s children’s mental health system includes services built around these principles. The programs described below offer a range of support for young children and their families—from early assessments and counseling to crisis response and referrals for more intensive care if needed.

DCFS Children’s Mental Health Program

The Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) provides children’s mental health services in both of Nevada’s large urban counties—Washoe County and Clark County. These services are designed for children and youth up to age 17, but many programs include options appropriate for younger children as well.

DCFS focuses on helping families access care early and connecting them with the right level of support. Programs may include:

• Therapy and counseling for children and their families
• Dyadic therapy, which supports both parent and child together
• Early childhood behavioral health assessments
• Support for trauma, anxiety, or behavioral concerns
• Case management and care coordination
• Community-based services that keep children at home and connected to school and family
• Crisis response teams in some areas

In Washoe and Clark Counties, DCFS partners with local providers to deliver services close to home. Families can typically access help by contacting a DCFS intake line or visiting a regional office. Many programs offer sliding-fee scales or accept Medicaid, which helps reduce barriers for families.

One goal of DCFS is to make sure children get the right help at the right time. For young children, this often means starting with early intervention and family-centered care instead of more intensive treatment.

By strengthening the parent–child relationship and giving families tools to support healthy development, many challenges can be addressed before they grow into something more serious.

Rural Clinics

Nevada is a large state with many rural and frontier communities, and we know that access to care can look very different outside of major cities. That’s where Nevada’s Rural Clinics come in.

Rural Clinics is an agency of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health that provides mental health services to children, youth, and adults living in small towns and remote areas across the state. For young children, these clinics may offer:

• Rehabilitative Mental Health
• Mental Health Therapy
• Medication Management Clinic
• Residential Support
• Case Management
• Psychological Testing
• Crisis Stabilization Teams

Because some families live far from larger cities, Rural Clinics are designed to reduce travel time and make mental health care easier to access. They also partner with schools, health centers, and community programs to ensure that families receive coordinated care.

For families with young children, Rural Clinics can be a helpful first step—especially if you have questions about your child’s behavior, emotions, or development but are not sure where to turn. These clinics can assess your child’s needs, offer parent–child support, and help you understand what services might be most helpful.

Certified Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are located throughout Nevada and are often the most familiar type of mental health service for families. These clinics provide outpatient care, which means children and families visit for scheduled appointments rather than staying overnight.

CCBHCs provide outpatient behavioral health services and primary care screenings and monitoring for children, adults and families with the goals to provide:

• Community-based mental and substance use disorder services.
• Combined behavioral health and physical health care with no wrong door entry to services.
• Evidence-based practices.
• Improved access to high-quality care.
• Care coordination and case management to address all needs of the individual.
• Better overall health outcomes.

Many CCBHCs work closely with pediatricians, early childhood programs, child care providers, and schools to ensure families receive whole-child support. They may also help connect families to community resources like family resource centers, home visiting programs, or parenting classes.

These clinics can be especially helpful for families seeking early support before concerns become more serious. Early mental health care can reduce stress at home, improve a child’s ability to learn, and strengthen relationships within the family.

Finding the Right Support for Your Child

Every family’s journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for children’s mental health. What matters most is getting connected early, asking questions, and finding a provider who makes you and your child feel comfortable and supported.

The new Children’s Mental Health Programs section on the First 5 Nevada website is designed to help you:

• Understand the types of services available
• Learn where programs are located in your area
• Explore options for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Find providers who offer dyadic, family-centered care
• Take the first step toward getting support

If you have concerns about your child’s emotions, behaviors, or development—or if you simply want guidance—these programs are here to help. Reaching out early can make a meaningful difference for your child and your family.

If you or someone you know if experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for immediate assistance.