Sara Hunt

Sara Hunt, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She serves as Executive Director of BeHERE Nevada and Director of the UNLV Mental and Behavioral Health Training Coalition, leading initiatives to strengthen Nevada's mental and behavioral health workforce.

Her research and professional work are centered on behavioral and mental health, with a strong emphasis on workforce development, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Dr. Hunt's expertise spans clinical psychology, health psychology, and public health, particularly in addressing systemic shortages in behavioral health professionals.

Her recent work shows a consistent focus on training, recruitment, and retention strategies for behavioral health careers, indicating a translational and community-based research trajectory aimed at scalable mental health solutions across Nevada.

Professional Recognition:

• President, Nevada Psychological Association (NPA)
• Active member, American Psychological Association (APA)
• Active member, Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC)

Dr. Hunt has secured leadership roles in major behavioral health initiatives, including BeHERE Nevada, which focuses on recruiting, educating, and retaining mental health professionals. She frequently presents to policymakers and community stakeholders, advocating for sustainable workforce development models. Her work is supported through coalition-building and interdisciplinary collaboration.

She leads the UNLV Mental and Behavioral Health Training Coalition, integrating academic training with community-based practice to expand access to care. Her programs emphasize hands-on training, interprofessional education, and policy engagement to address Nevada’s mental health challenges.