The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is proud to unveil the release of a powerful new video highlighting the life-changing work and impact of its newly established Jail Based Mental Health Unit (JBMHU), a critical initiative transforming how we care for individuals with serious mental health needs within the criminal justice system.
The JBMHU provides targeted, compassionate treatment for inmates deemed incompetent by the courts or transitioning from Lake’s Crossing, Nevada’s forensic psychiatric hospital. By addressing mental health needs directly, the program aims to reduce incarceration time and accelerate stabilization. The unit’s first year was funded through a Nevada Department of Health and Human Services sub-grant administered by Lake’s Crossing.
In collaboration with mental health professionals and a network of dedicated community partners, the JBMHU delivers essential care, competency restoration, and critical assessments. Its mission is not only to help individuals regain stability but to break the cycle of repeated incarceration, reduce strain on public resources, and improve outcomes for the entire community.
“This is a focused mental health program designed to serve a highly acute population—individuals who frequently cycle through our facility, local hospitals, or end up on our streets,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “Our goal is to prioritize their care, support efforts towards stabilization, and strengthen training across our office so our staff are better equipped to respond to the complex mental health needs we encounter every day.”
The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of the JBMHU, featuring interviews with dedicated staff and the powerful impact this innovative program is already making.
Watch the full video here: WCSO JBMHU
