What is the Consumer Assistance Program?

Since the mid 1990's, the Nevada Division of Mental Health & Developmental Services (MHDS) moved from a mental health system directed by bureaucratic and financial incentives to one driven by consumers and family needs that focus on building resilience and facilitating recovery.

This movement resulted in developing the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). As of 2008, the Division employs 13.5 Consumer Service Assistants (CSA) positions statewide. In January 2008,  through the support of the National Technical Assistance Center, eleven CSAs were trained and eight CSAs became certified as "Peer Specialists".  Through the certification process, the CSAs now have tools and nationally approved competencies to provide person-centered professional services to consumers.  In addition to improving service delivery, CSAs can now bill Medicaid for these services.

• 5 located at the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services;
• 5.5 located at the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services;
• 1 located at the Carson Mental Health Center;
• 1 located at the Douglas Mental Health Center; and
• 1 located at the Pahrump Mental Health Center.

The key to the success of this program is based on the idea of consumers providing services to consumers. Peer support services have allowed and encouraged consumers to direct their own recovery and teach one another skills necessary to lead meaningful lives in their communities. The CSAs provide an array of services to their peers:

• Developing work and career transitional skills;
• Mentoring recently discharged clients/consumers;
• Assisting with the consumer satisfaction survey process;
• Helping the Division with program quality assurance efforts;
• Designing statewide consumer advocacy and policy development efforts, such as human rights board; and
• Reviewing client care complaints.

Consumer Volunteers are also critical to the success of this program. If you are interested in participating in this program please contact Paula Hawkins at (775) 684-5979.