For survivors of domestic violence, the path to healing is often filled with obstacles. But at the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Reno, a new approach is making a profound difference: on-site mental health services.
“In the past, we referred clients to counseling, but it was difficult knowing if they followed through,” said Kristen Kennedy ’98, executive director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center. “Having services on-site is a game-changer. It provides a more holistic approach, making it easier for clients to get the help they need.”
Direct career placement for graduate students and interns
This life-changing resource is part of the Community Behavioral Health Collaborative, a School of Public Health program operated by the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT). The Collaborative places graduate students and interns pursuing careers in behavioral health directly into local nonprofits and human service agencies — like the Domestic Violence Resource Center — meeting community needs while providing students invaluable real-world experience.
With the support of CASAT, the Collaborative is also helping partner sites establish infrastructure for insurance billing, which could allow them to hire full-time clinical teams and expand services.
Philanthropy and partnerships have been essential to the Collaborative’s growth. The initiative is expanding thanks to a $221,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s 2025 Northern Nevada Endowment Fund cycle.
Mental health care awareness
“Our region is collaborating on exciting initiatives to address the mental health care crisis,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The success of programs like the Community Behavioral Health Collaborative is key — not only in increasing access to care but also in building the mental health workforce for our region.”
“We are grateful for the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s continued support,” said Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, dean of the School of Public Health. “Community-based work gives students a unique perspective into Nevada’s specific needs. Being in the field brings to life the case studies they may have only read about.”
Under the leadership of Jennifer Calloway Ross ’09 M.A. (counseling and educational psychology), director of the Community Behavioral Health Collaborative, the program has grown to include Megan Weller ’06 (biology), ’10 M.A. (counseling and educational psychology), ’18 Ph.D. (education) as clinical supervision and site relations coordinator, and Lex Rodriguez ’21, ’22 MSW as program coordinator.
The future of the Collaborative
“I’m excited to grow the Collaborative’s impact in our community,” said Calloway Ross. “With the Community Foundation’s support, we can partner with more sites, exposing students to a broader range of clients while ensuring more Nevadans receive care. My focus is making the program sustainable, connecting students and communities in meaningful ways.”
The Collaborative is not just bridging gaps in mental health care — it’s transforming how services are delivered and preparing the next generation of professionals to meet Nevada’s needs.
*Photos courtesy of Brin Reynolds, '12, '15 MBA