Carson Tahoe Health Expands Youth Behavioral Health Services Across Northern Nevada

Carson Tahoe Health (CTH) is announcing the expansion of its youth behavioral health services to meet the growing needs of children and adolescents across the quad-county region of Northern Nevada. Supported by a generous State of Nevada grant, this initiative strengthens every level of the behavioral health continuum for kids. These services range from early prevention to crisis stabilization, inpatient treatment, and outpatient care close to home. As a result, because Nevada is ranked last in the nation for youth behavioral health access, this commitment to the community increases capacity and improves pathways to care for families.

Expanded Clinical Services for Youth

Building on Carson Tahoe’s long-established adult behavioral health continuum, CTH is expanding its scope to include comprehensive services for adolescents. Existing services include crisis stabilization, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, detox services, counseling, substance use treatment, and community-based programs.

As part of this expansion, CTH has expanded its Behavioral Health Services (BHS) for youth ages 12–17 by adding critical inpatient and crisis stabilization programs:

Youth Inpatient Unit (IP)

A 10-bed acute care unit offering psychiatry, therapy, and 24/7 nursing care in a safe, structured environment.

Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

A 12-recliner, short-stay unit designed to stabilize youth within 24 hours through therapeutic support, family engagement, and coordinated resources.

Enhanced Outpatient Behavioral Health Services (All Ages)

Comprehensive outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, and wraparound support tailored to individuals and families.

These expanded services ensure that youth and families in our region have immediate access to compassionate care when they need it most,” said Megan Martinez, Director of Inpatient Behavioral Health at Carson Tahoe Health. “Our goal is to meet young people at every stage—whether they are in crisis or beginning their healing journey—and provide the consistent, coordinated support they deserve.

Strengthening Prevention Through “Vehicles of Change”

In addition, and looking ahead, CTH is amplifying its pioneering prevention model for children ages 8–12. This approach helps build life skills and resilience long before a crisis occurs. Deployed throughout the quad-counties, Vehicles of Change uses a fleet of four vibrantly colored vans focused on art, food, sound, and movement. The curriculum translates proven clinical therapies into play-based programming and is offered at no cost to groups of children in schools and community organizations.

A Unified Commitment to Nevada’s Youth

This expansion represents a vital step toward building a healthier, more resilient future for our local quad-county youth,” said Michelle Joy, President & CEO of Carson Tahoe Health. “We are committed to ensuring children and families have seamless access to the resources, support, and comprehensive care they need—right here at home.

Overall and most importantly, Carson Tahoe’s expanded youth behavioral health services improve access to crisis and inpatient stabilization. They also strengthen community-based prevention and early identification. Together, these efforts enhance long-term outpatient support and create a sustainable, multi-layered model of care for the region.

Accessing Services

Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services offers 24/7 inpatient assessments, outpatient appointments, crisis support, and referrals:

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services: (775) 445-7756

24/7 Crisis Hotline: (800) 283-7671 or (775) 885-8866

Mallory Behavioral Health Crisis Center: (775) 445-8889

For general information about youth and adult behavioral health services at Carson Tahoe Health, visit CarsonTahoe.com.