Challenges
Rising Rates of Mental Health Challenges and Suicides
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death among U.S. adults, with the age-adjusted rate of suicide increasing by 35% in the past 20 years. In Nevada, the suicide rate remains higher than the national average, with an age-adjusted rate of 21.0 per 100,000 people as of 2022.
Rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders have also steadily risen, exacerbated by factors like economic stress, social isolation, and barriers to mental health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression prevalence increased by 25% globally in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crisis Calls Are Straining Emergency Services
Emergency services, including law enforcement and emergency rooms, are increasingly strained by concerns that may not require their level of intervention.
These systems are not typically equipped to address complex mental health needs, which can lead to overreliance on first responders, unnecessary hospitalizations, and missed opportunities for more appropriate care. This is a disservice to those in need because it further escalates situations, increases costs, and delays care.
Hesitancy Talking About Mental Health
Talking about mental health challenges is integral to navigating and coping with them. But only 3 in 10 U.S. adults say they are somewhat comfortable talking about their mental health, even with a close friend. An additional 12% would be “not too” or “not at all” comfortable, according to Pew Research.
Our Solutions
Reduce Distress + De-Escalate Crisis
If it’s a crisis to a member of our community—it’s a crisis to us. Crisis Support Services of Nevada connects individuals to the guidance, resources, and care they need—whether in times of crisis or moments of turbulence. Accessible, compassionate support and timely intervention make a real difference.
A 2022 Psychiatric Services study found that contact with crisis services is linked to significant reductions in hopelessness, psychological pain, depression, and anxiety in the weeks following a crisis call.
Reduce Emergency Involvement in Mental Health Crises
Our Suicide Safety Policy uses the least invasive intervention for highrisk situations, to reduce reliance on law enforcement and emergency departments in mental health crises, ensuring individuals receive the right care in the right setting.
Only 0.5% of calls require further intervention beyond our de-escalation, reducing unnecessary involvement of emergency services!
Reduce Stigma + Encourage Conversations
The anonymity provided by our crisis counselors encourages individuals to have mental health discussions they might otherwise avoid due to stigma, fear of exposure, or lack of access to care.