The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute at Las Vegas is a unique and vital facility, recognized as the only state-owned and operated psychiatric hospital in New Mexico. Comprising five distinct clinical divisions, this institution offers an extensive range of behavioral health services that address a broad spectrum of public needs. Each division within the Institute is separately licensed and has its own unique admission criteria, ensuring that care is tailored to meet the diverse requirements of individuals from across the state.
A core element of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute is its Adult Psychiatric Division, providing acute inpatient care to adults who experience major mental illnesses that significantly impair their ability to function and may present an imminent danger to themselves or others. Treatment in this division is guided by an interdisciplinary team including a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, treatment plan coordinator, and rehabilitation therapists. Other specialties, such as medical and nutrition services, are brought in as needed to address the full spectrum of patient needs. Family members, significant others, and guardians are encouraged to participate in the treatment planning process under appropriate guidelines, supporting a holistic approach to patient recovery and reintegration into their community.
The Center for Adolescent Relationship Exploration, known as CARE, stands out as a specialized residential treatment program for adolescent boys aged 13 to 17 with histories of sexually harmful behavior and co-occurring mental illness. CARE provides 24-hour supervision within a secure, positive, and supportive environment, fostering strength-based and individualized therapy. The treatment philosophy emphasizes family participation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the use of a variety of clinical interventions, including group and individual therapies, recreational activities, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and psychoeducation focused on the complex backgrounds of the residents.
Community Based Services expand the Institute’s reach beyond inpatient care, offering mental health support in an outpatient setting throughout a tri-county area. Services available in this branch include psychiatry, nursing, individual and group therapy, psychological testing, comprehensive community support, psychosocial rehabilitation, crisis response, sexual assault victim advocacy, substance abuse counseling, and outpatient restorative therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy. This division is dedicated to rehabilitation and improving the overall quality of life for adults and families in need of behavioral health assistance, emphasizing daily living skills, supportive employment, and advocacy.
A key facet of the Institute is the Forensic Division, which consists of four inpatient psychiatric care units within a secure perimeter. These units serve individuals who have been referred by District Courts statewide and are charged with felony-level offenses, requiring competency restoration services or risk assessments as part of legal proceedings. The Forensic Division offers a structured environment led by a comprehensive treatment team with access to a spectrum of therapies, aiming to support patient stabilization and readiness for legal adjudication.
Long-term care at the Institute is provided through a residential community composed of five neighborhoods: Evergreen, Aspen, Juniper, Mesquite, and Sagebrush. Designed to support elderly and disabled residents, this community emphasizes person-centered, resident-directed care, blending medical support with a nurturing environment that combats loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. Culture change initiatives here foster connections with the outside community, including engaging programs with children, students, and local organizations, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of residents and staff alike.
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute at Las Vegas represents a comprehensive continuum of care, encompassing prevention, crisis intervention, intensive inpatient services, rehabilitation, and long-term support. Its programs are marked by multidisciplinary teamwork, a committed focus on individualized treatment, and an enduring dedication to the recovery, dignity, and quality of life of every individual served.