CARSON CITY, Nev. (FOX5) — Nevada has reduced the share of children in state custody sent to psychiatric residential treatment facilities from 35 percent to 16 percent over the past two years, the Nevada Health Authority said, crediting more than $100 million in new Medicaid spending on children’s mental health.
The reduction comes under a federal settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
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New spending targets rural access and family support
State leaders said the Medicaid investment includes higher pay for rural and in-home therapy, family and youth peer supports, and specialized foster care.
Nevada Medicaid is now launching a short-term “residential rehabilitative mental health care” model for youth and adults, placing people with serious behavioral health needs in small, home-like settings rather than long-term institutions.
Governor cites DOJ agreement as driver of change
Gov. Joe Lombardo said the goal is to keep children with their families, in their own schools and communities, calling the change a “promise kept” under the DOJ agreement.
State officials said they are continuing to recruit more providers and add new Medicaid benefits, including respite care, wraparound services, and treatment for first-episode psychosis.
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