Carson City leaders are emphasizing that a healthy mind is key to overall health and well-being. That conviction has led to funding mental health support for students at Western Nevada College.

Through a $20,000 Carson City Community Support Services grant the city provided to WNC Foundation, students at WNC are receiving high-quality mental health counseling services free of charge for the 2024-25 school year.

Student response to the services from BetterMynd, including 50-minute therapy sessions, has been significant. Since being introduced earlier this fall, students have participated in the counseling sessions and many others have examined the mental health resources available on the website.

“We feel it’s important to provide confidential mental health care access to our students so they can be comfortable with receiving the care they need to be successful in their lives and education,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors created the grant to better citizens’ quality of life. The annual grant supports 501(c)3 nonprofits providing Carson with vital services, including mental health, substance abuse, youths, disability, domestic abuse, health/dental, and senior services.

“From our perspective, mental health issues rose to the top in some of our community health and needs assessments. We listened to the reports and the community, and what they want us to try to solve,” said Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell. “It’s something vital to our community and the college presented a good plan, and so, if anybody was more deserving than another, maybe we should start with some of our youth. It’s a good place to see where we could make a difference and if the program can be effective.”

WNC students can access BetterMynd services on the college’s wellness page at wnc.edu/wellness. It provides students with highly personalized online therapy to meet their unique needs, including access to 50-minute scheduled counseling sessions, a diverse network of mental health clinicians and the scheduling flexibility needed for students to make meaningful progress with mental health challenges. Sessions can take place anywhere the student is most comfortable, during the day, at night, or on weekends.

Western is the only college within the Nevada System of Higher Education without a student therapy/counseling center, so this service from BetterMynd is filling a definite need.

"WNC's partnership with BetterMynd represents a significant step forward in expanding the support available to students. Through personalized counseling services and a 24/7 on demand crisis and support line, BetterMynd empowers students to prioritize their mental well-being, fostering both personal growth and academic success,” said WNC Academic Advising and Access Director Lauren Stevens. “Ultimately, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and those we care about is the opportunity to find balance and wellness, and BetterMynd is making that possible."

In response to the growing importance of mental health awareness and the evolving needs of the communities it serves, WNC has taken a proactive approach to expand the support and resources available to its campus community. The funding from Carson City and WNC Foundation will enable students to access confidential and convenient mental health services remotely, providing them with the flexibility to prioritize their mental well-being within their busy schedules.