Hope Means Nevada Launches Academy to Equip Teens with Mental Health Tools

The new Teen Hope Academy aims to provide life-saving mental wellness skills to Nevada's youth, who face some of the highest rates of mental health challenges in the nation.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Hope Means Nevada, a nonprofit organization, announced the launch of its new Teen Hope Academy program to help equip Nevada's youth with practical mental health tools and support. The academy will be a five-session, evidence-informed video program led by a licensed psychologist, covering topics like stress management, emotional regulation, and suicide prevention. The program will initially be delivered to students at three Nevada schools, with plans to expand to reach more students across the state.

Why it matters

Nevada currently ranks 51st out of 51 states and jurisdictions in Mental Health America's 2025 State of Mental Health in America report, with nearly 23% of adolescents experiencing a major depressive episode and more than 14% reporting serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. The Teen Hope Academy aims to address this critical mental health crisis among Nevada's youth by providing them with life-saving skills and a supportive community.

The details

The Teen Hope Academy will be a five-session program delivered to participating students through Google Classroom during in-person sessions facilitated by school staff. Each session will focus on preventative strategies and practical skills to help teens navigate stressors and emotional challenges, covering topics like stress management, emotional regulation, suicide prevention, and building a support network. Additionally, each student will receive an accompanying workbook to help support their mental wellness outside of the sessions.

  • Hope Means Nevada announced the launch of the Teen Hope Academy on March 5, 2026.
  • The academy will initially be delivered to students at Coronado High School in Henderson, Fertitta Middle School in Las Vegas, and Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite.

The players

Hope Means Nevada

A nonprofit organization that aims to address the mental health crisis among Nevada's youth.

Janna Velasco

The executive director of Hope Means Nevada.

Dr. Glory Finnegan

A licensed psychologist who will lead the five-session program of the Teen Hope Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Year after year, the data shows that what we're doing as a state isn't working, and our youth are paying the price. Teen Hope Academy aims to provide a much-needed mental wellness skill-building resource that's completely turnkey for schools and other youth organizations. It gives teens practical tools, a supportive community, and the reminder that they are never alone. It's time to stop waiting for change and start creating it.”

— Janna Velasco, Executive Director, Hope Means Nevada (8newsnow.com)

What’s next

Hope Means Nevada plans to grow the Teen Hope Academy program to reach more students across Nevada in the future.

The takeaway

The launch of the Teen Hope Academy by Hope Means Nevada represents a critical step in addressing the mental health crisis facing Nevada's youth, who currently experience some of the highest rates of mental health challenges in the nation. By providing practical tools, a supportive community, and a reminder that they are not alone, the program aims to empower Nevada's teens and create lasting change in the state's mental health landscape.