On behalf of Born This Way Foundation, Benenson Strategy Group conducted 401 online interviews with 13-24 year olds in the Las Vegas metropolitan area from December 12, 2018 to January 3, 2019.

2. 2
On behalf of Born This Way
Foundation, Benenson Strategy
Group conducted 401 online
interviews with 13-24 year olds in
the Las Vegas metropolitan area
from December 12th 2018 to
January 3rd 2019.
• The margin of error for the entire data set is ±4.84% at the 95%
confidence level.
• Note: the margin of error is higher among subgroups
• Due to rounding, answer choices may not always add up to 100%.
• Questions asked only of relevant groups:
Online
Interviews
¹ Military: Asked of those who have served or have had a family member serve in the U.S. military
² School student: Asked of those who are currently in middle or high school
³ University student: Asked of those who are currently in college
⁴ Employed: Asked of those who are currently employed
⁵ Relationship: Asked of those who are currently married or in a long-term relationship

3. 3

4. Snapshot
4
Prioritization of
Mental Health
Somewhat
important priority
Very important
priority
Frequency of
Discussing Mental
Health with
Anyone
Often Sometimes Rarely/never
Talk About
Mental Health
With…
Resource
Accessibility
All of the time
Most of the time
Rarely/never
Parent/Guardian
Friend
“Do young people in your
city have access to mental
health resources…?”
Overall, young people in the Las Vegas area believe mental health is an important priority that should be addressed
on an ongoing basis. However, most say they “rarely” or “never” talk about it and more than one in four say that
young people in the city don’t have access to the resources they need to handle serious mental health challenges
such as suicide, bullying, sexual assault, and online harassment. The unawareness of resource access is particularly
worrying given that many reported feeling anxious, helpless or sad, or fearful frequently in the past month.
ALL YOUNG PEOPLE
Anxious
Fearful
Helpless or sad
Best Way
to Work
on Mental
Health
…when you face a specific challenge
…on an ongoing basis
…not possible to ‘work on’ like
your physical health
% who felt this way a good
bit of the time or more
during the past month…
Felt Frequently in
the Past Month Feel They Don’t Have Access to the
Mental Health Resources to Deal with…
Suicide Bullying Sexual Assault Online
Harassment

5. Snapshot
*
5
Somewhat
important priority
Very important
priority
Somewhat
important priority
Very important
priority
LGBTQ+
Often Sometimes Rarely/never Often Sometimes Rarely/never
All of the time Most of the time Rarely/never All of the time Most of the time Rarely/never
Although LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ young people in Las Vegas both say mental health is an important priority,
the strength of their conviction differs, with non-LGBTQ+ youth more likely to call it “very important.” While
LGBTQ+ youth discuss mental health more often than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, they also say mental health
resources are less accessible. The most striking difference between these groups is who they turn to when they
want to talk about mental health, with LGBTQ+ youth reporting that they would be much less likely to discuss
the subject with a parent/guardian than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Prioritization of
Mental Health
Frequency of
Discussing Mental
Health with
Anyone
Resource
Accessibility
“Do young people in your
city have access to mental
health resources…?”
NON-LGBTQ+
Anxious
Fearful
Helpless or sad
Anxious
Fearful
Helpless or sad
% who felt this way a good
bit of the time or more
during the past month…
Felt frequently in
the past month
Talk About
Mental Health
With
Parent/Guardian
Friend
Parent/Guardian
Friend

6. 6

7. Ages 18-24Ages 13-17Overall
Mental Health Behavior of Las Vegas Youth
7
How much of a priority is your mental health to you?
Somewhat of a priority
A very important priority
Net 1-3 Net 4-7 Net 8-10
Mental Health
Physical Health
13-17 year olds
18-24 year olds
Overall
% Rate Mental Health or Physical Health
Where 1 means “poor” and 10 means “excellent”
Mental Health
Physical Health
Mental Health
Physical Health
Mental and physical health go hand-in-hand, with young people saying their mental health is as much of an
important priority as their physical well being. And yet, despite prioritizing both, young people in Las Vegas don’t
feel that positive about their overall health, physical or mental. Over half of all young people rate their health as
“average” or even “poor,” and those 18-24 are inclined to rate their physical and mental health at even lower
levels.

8. Friends
Parents/guardians
Romantic partner
Therapist or mental health professional
Trusted adult
Religious leader
Online chat-based helpline
Teacher/school staff member/counselor ²
Phone line
Text line
College/university official or staff ³
Mental Health Behavior of Las Vegas Youth
8
It's not possible to 'work on' your
mental health in the same way you
can 'work on’ your physical health.
It’s more helpful to work on your
mental health on an ongoing basis.
It’s more helpful to work on your
mental health when you face a
specific challenge.
Which statement comes closest to your
view about mental health?
Overall
How often do you discuss
mental health?
13-17 18-24
Rarely or
never
Sometimes
Often
With whom do you discuss mental health? Asked among those who discuss mental health
Young people in Las Vegas agree: good mental health requires a proactive, ongoing effort. And yet most –
especially those of high school age – rarely, if ever, discuss mental health with anyone. Those who do discuss it
are more likely to turn to a friend rather than a parent/guardian or a mental health professional.

9. Mental Health Behavior of Las Vegas Youth
9
It's important to talk to someone
It makes me feel better
I get depressed, sad, anxious, stressed
To keep poor mental health from escalating
To get some feedback or advice
To see if others are having similar issues
I've had mental health issues in the past
People around me need to know how I feel
To hear a positive attitude
“I discuss my mental health to accept it and
move on quicker. It’s better to not push away
the problem. I wanna feel open and free to
talk to those around me.”
- Female, 21-24
“I know I need help with my mental health
issues, but I don’t know what kind of help I
need. So I usually ask for advice or ideas for
how I can help better take care of myself.”
- Female, 21-24
“I talk about mental health to keep a
better peace of mind and clarity to
address toxic issues head on.”
- Male, 18-20
“It’s important to let everyone know what
I’m feeling. Instead of leaving them clueless,
so they get a feel of what I’m going through.
It makes them more understanding.”
- Male, 21-24
What is the main reason you discuss your mental health?
Asked among those who discuss mental health
(Open-end question)
Young people in Las Vegas say good mental health begins by talking about it. In sharing how they feel with the
people in their communities, young people are able to get the critical support they need to help mitigate their
anxieties before they escalate beyond their control.

10. You feel suicidalYou are worried
about your own
substance use
You feel depressedYou feel like harming
yourself
You feel angry or
violent
You were sexually
assaulted
Mental Health Behavior of Las Vegas Youth
10
% Turn to Each to Talk about Specific Situations
You feel unsafe at homeYou're worried about
your friend's substance
use
You feel harassed or
unsafe online
You feel unsafe at school
or work ⁴
You're being physically
bullied
When confronted by many of life’s challenges, Las Vegas young people tend to turn most commonly to their family,
and then friend networks…
…though on particularly sensitive issues such as assault, self-harm, or personal substance abuse, many would
also consider turning to a professional mental health expert for support.
Family Friends Therapist

11. Three-quarters of young people say they spend several hours a week helping the people in their lives. They cite the good
feeling that giving back gives them as their primary motivation. Many young people say giving back also helps them grow,
find friends, and feel better when they are down. Importantly, the young people who give back more to their community
show stronger mental health than those who give back less. A majority of young people (52%) who rate their mental
health as strong (8-10 out of 10) spend an hour a day or more helping the people in their lives, while those who rate their
mental health as less strong (1-7 out of 10) tend to spend less time helping the people in their lives.
11
On average, how much time do you spend helping the people in your life?
How does helping the people in your life make you feel?
Makes me feel good to give back
Gives me a way to help others
Gives me an opportunity for personal growth
Makes me feel better when I'm feeling down
Gives me an opportunity to meet new friends
Lets me put my skills to good use
Teaches me new skills
Makes me feel connected to my community
Lets me explore new interests
Mental Health Behavior of Las Vegas Youth
More than anything, they give back because it makes them feel good to help others in their lives. By further offering
Las Vegas youth opportunities to help others in their community, both individuals and communities at-large stand to
benefit.
Youth Who Rate Their Mental Health 1-7/10
Youth Who Rate Their Mental Health 8-10/10
All Las Vegas Youth
An hour a day or more Few hours a week Few hours a month Few hours a year Less often

12. 12

13. Mental Health Resource Access in Las Vegas
13
Do young people in your city have access to the resources they need to support
their mental wellness or to address a mental health issue?
All the time Most of the time Rarely/Never
My city can't afford good mental health resources
Mental health resources aren't available in my city
The resources that are available aren't helpful
There are no resources that I trust
Elected officials in my city don't care about investing in
mental health resources
There are mental health resources that exist, but I can't
access them
Mental health issues are stigmatized in my community
People can't afford the cost of mental health resources
People don't know where to go for mental health
resources
What in your view is preventing young people in your city
from using resources to support mental health?
Among those who say they don’t have access to resources all of the time
Nearly a third of all young people say that they rarely or never have access to the resources needed to support
positive mental health.
Information and cost are the main obstacles preventing access to mental health resources. And while far fewer
see stigmatization surrounding mental health as preventing young people from accessing mental health
resources, this is still a barrier for 1-in-5 young people in the Las Vegas area.

14. Mental Health Resource Access in Las Vegas
Most young people in Las Vegas don’t think they have access to the mental health resources they need when
feeling bad or disappointed in themselves or feeling concerned about others. Alarmingly, most say they would not
have the resources to deal with feeling unsafe, being assaulted, or with issues surrounding their own substance
use.
14
You feel disappointed with a grade ² ³
You feel depressed
You feel anxious
You feel angry or violent
You feel suicidal
You feel bad about how you look
You feel disappointed with how you're doing at work ⁴
You feel like harming yourself
Your friend has suddenly stopped talking to you
You are being physically bullied
You are worried about your own substance use
You were sexually assaulted
You feel unsafe at school or work ² ³ ⁴
You feel unsafe at home
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No
If you faced each situation, would you have the resources to deal with it?

15. Health insurance that covers mental health care
University campus mental health resources ³
Community centers with counsellors to talk to
Therapists or mental health experts
School guidance counselors or mental health experts ²
15
% Believe Following Resources Are Definitely Available in Their Community
Mental health counseling by online video chats
Mental health counseling by a text line or phone line
A mental health first aid course
Classes that teach skills to support mental wellness
HR representatives or other work-based resources ⁴
Mental health resources for those who have served in the military ¹
Religious groups or centers that offer counselling
Support groups for people struggling with issues such as addiction
Mental Health Resource Access in Las Vegas
When asked about specifics, most are unsure if they have access to essential mental health resources. Only
around a third think most of the resources traditionally relied on to support mental health are definitely available
to young people in their community.
Despite this generation’s reputation for being tech-savvy and dependent, with the exception of online
forums or websites, fewer than 1-in-3 are aware of other digital resources such as apps or text lines
dedicated to supporting positive mental health. For most resources there is hardly any age gap on
awareness, but just 26% of 13-17 year olds say online forums or websites to support their mental health are
definitely available to them compared to 38% of 18-24 year olds.
Awareness of mental health resources is most blurry when it comes to accessibility of the resources that are
designed to support a specific group or mental health challenge, or those designed to proactively teach skills
through workshops or classes.
Mental health counseling by online video chats
Mental health counseling by a text or phone
Apps or online support groups
Online forums or websites

16. 16

17. Youth Mental Health Resource Preferences in Las Vegas
Young people in Las Vegas are open to a wide range of mental health resources, both in-person and online.
Encouragingly, over 60% are enthusiastic about proactive resources such as mental health first aid courses or
general mental wellness classes, reiterating a commitment to equipping themselves with the skills they need to
help support positive mental health in themselves and within their communities.
17
% Comfortable Using the Following Mental Health Resources
Mental health counseling by online video chats
Religious groups or centers that offer counseling
HR representatives or work-based resources ⁴
Mental health counseling by a text line or phone line
Mental health resources for those who’ve served in military ¹
Support groups for specific issues
Community centers with counsellors
Online forums or websites about mental health
A mental health first aid course
Apps or online support groups
Guidance counselors or mental health experts at school ²
Classes that teach skills to support mental wellness ² ³
Therapists or mental health experts
Campus mental health resources ³
Health insurance that covers mental health care

18. Youth Mental Health Resource Preferences in Las Vegas
There is high demand for mental health resources that teach the coping mechanisms that help young people
address stress points across all parts of their daily life, as well as in their academic, professional, family, and
romantic lives.
18
% Agree with Following Statements
I want to learn coping skills and tools to help
me deal with the stresses of everyday life to
support my mental health.
I want to learn coping skills and tools to help
me deal with the stresses of family life to
support my mental health.
I want to learn coping skills and tools to help
me deal with the stresses of work life to
support my mental health.⁴
I want to learn coping skills and tools to help
me deal with the stresses of romantic
relationships to support my mental health.⁵
I want to learn coping skills and tools to help
me deal with the stresses of school life to
support my mental health.² ³

19. Youth Mental Health Resource Preferences in Las Vegas
The qualities Las Vegas young people seek in mental health resources are simple: they are looking to connect
with someone who understands what they are going through in a judgement-free zone. While some indicate
they value a professional opinion above all else, many say peer participation is what would make them most
comfortable.
19
Top Mental Health Resource Qualities that Increase Likelihood of Use
(Open-ended question)
Digital resource (text, online, app)
Affordable
Professional counseling
Open and comfortable atmosphere
Kind, trustworthy and supportitve confidants
“[Mental health resources] should have a feature to be able to talk to people that experience the
same feelings. Not exactly talking to a therapist, but with people that I can relate to.”
- Female, 13-17
“Designed for people around my age.”
- Female, 18-20
“Something more personal like
speaking with a therapist one-
on-one or speaking with friends.”
– Male, 13-17
“Made for people to talk to
who have been through the
same things as you.”
- Female, 18-20
“[Feel like] it relates to someone my age.”
- Male, 13-17
“A therapist that has gone
through some things I’ve
dealt with in life.”
- Male, 20-24
What are the qualities a mental health resource could have
that would make you more likely to use it?
(Open-ended question)

20. In-person Online Over text or instant
message
Over the phone Equally comfortable
with any of these
resources
Overall 13-17 18-24 White Latinx LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+
Very Important Somewhat Important
Youth Mental Health Resource Preferences in Las Vegas
In thinking about the kinds of resources they’d most like to use, over half say they would be most comfortable
using in-person resources, while more than a third say they would like digital resources.
20
When looking for resources to improve your mental health, you would be more
comfortable turning to resources that are…?
Importance of Anonymity in Finding and Using Mental Health Resources
Anonymity is important but not in absolute terms. Across ages, races, and sexual orientations, large majorities
say remaining anonymous on some level is important. However, young people are evenly split between just how
important anonymity is to them when using mental health resources.

21. 21

22. LGBTQ+ youth in Las Vegas are more susceptible to emotional and mental health challenges than their non-
LGBTQ+ peers, reporting significantly worse physical and mental health. LGBTQ+ young people also choose to
discuss their mental health with different people in their lives.
LGBTQ+ Youth in Las Vegas
22
With whom do you discuss mental health?
Friends
Parents/Guardians
Romantic partner ⁵
Therapist or mental health professional
Online chat-based helpline
Teacher/school staff member/counselor ²
Phone line
Text line
Frequency of Discussing
Mental Health with Anyone
Among LGBTQ+
Often
Sometimes
Rarely/
Never
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+
% Rate Mental Health or Physical Health
Where 1 means “poor” and 10 means “excellent”
Non-LGBTQ+
Net 1-3 Net 4-7 Net 8-10
While LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ young people are equally likely to talk about their mental health with friends,
just a third of LGBTQ+ young people would talk about it with their parents, compared to a majority of non-
LGBTQ+ people. Instead, young LGBTQ+ are more likely to turn to digital resources and phone lines for these
discussions.

23. You feel suicidalYou are worried
about your own
substance use
You feel depressedYou feel like harming
yourself
You feel angry or
violent
You were sexually
assaulted
LGBTQ+ Youth in Las Vegas
% Turn to Their Family to Talk about Each
You feel
unsafe at home
You receive an
unexpected medical
diagnosis that
worries you
You are worried
about your friend's
substance use
You feel harassed or
unsafe online
You feel unsafe at
school or work ⁴
You are being
physically bullied
…and this gap persists for sensitive issues such as assault, self-harm, or personal substance abuse.
23
When compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, the young LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas are not nearly as
comfortable turning to their family for help in most situations, opting instead to confide in friends…
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+

24. I am in a community
where most people
are kind to me
I am in a community
where most people are neither
kind nor unkind to me
I am in a community
where most people
are unkind to me
LGBTQ+ Youth in Las Vegas
24
Loved
Close to the people in my life
Interested in socializing
Optimistic
Energized
Useful
Level-headed
Helpless or sad
Anxious
Fearful
PositiveFeelingsNegativeFeelings
% Say They Have Felt Each for Most of the Past Month
Their lower self-assessments of their own mental health, while heartbreaking, is unsurprising when you consider
they are far less likely to feel “loved” or even “useful,” and more likely to feel “helpless or sad.” Contributing to
these negative emotions, LGBTQ+ young people are also significantly less likely to say they live in a “kind
community” than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Thinking about your community, would you say…?
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+

25. LGBTQ+ Youth in Las Vegas
25
% Very Comfortable
Using Resource
In-personLGBTQ+
% Say Resource
Definitely Available
Digital
A mental health first aid course
Campus resources such as a counseling
center or access to therapists ³
Community centers with counsellors
Guidance counselors or mental health
experts at school ²
Mental health counseling by online
video chats
Mental health counseling by a text line
or phone line
Apps or online support groups
Online forums or other websites where I
can talk about my mental health
An LGBTQ+ center
While their self-evaluations suggest they are in greater need of mental health resources, young LGBTQ+ in Las
Vegas are less aware of the mental health resources at their disposal. The relatively high comfort with turning to
an LGBTQ+ center speaks to how important it is that providers communicate that they are welcoming to
LGBTQ+ youth.
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+

26. In-person Online Over text or instant
message
Over the phone Equally comfortable
with any of these
resources
Compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, LGBTQ+ young people in Las Vegas are more drawn to mental health
resources that let them connect with others remotely. They are also less drawn to in-person resources.
26
When looking for resources to improve your mental health, you would be more
comfortable turning to resources that are…?
Importance of Anonymity in Finding and Using Mental Health Resources
However, when it comes to the importance of staying anonymous, there is only a marginal difference between
LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ youth, suggesting the preference for digital resources may be more about being able
to connect with people that it may be harder for them to find in everyday life (such as fellow LGBTQ+ people)
than it is about protecting their identity.
LGBTQ+ Youth in Las Vegas
LGBTQ+ Non-LGBTQ+
Very important Somewhat important
Not very important Not important at all
LGBTQ+
Non-LGBTQ+