MIND POWER

Questions and answers with Dinisha Mingo, Las Vegas’ Queen of Mental Health and Wellness

Las Vegas continues to face a serious mental health care crisis, ranking 51st nationally in access to mental health services in 2025, according to Mental Health America. The need for quality, compassionate care for both youth and adults living with mental illness remains urgent across Nevada. Rising to meet that challenge is Las Vegas native Dinisha Mingo, CEO and Founder of Mingo Health Solutions and Solutions of Change, whose work is helping expand access to critical behavioral health services throughout the community. 

A respected behavioral health leader, entrepreneur, and advocate, Dinisha Mingo, M.S., QMHA, founded her organization in 2016 with a mission to provide culturally responsive mental health care while improving support for underserved populations. She is also the founder of the nonprofit Solutions of Change, which offers free and low-cost therapy services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or undocumented. Mingo holds master’s degrees in educational psychology and psychology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Las Vegas Black Image sat down with Mingo to discuss her work, the growing mental health challenges facing Nevada, and what solutions can help move the Silver State forward. 

What are the services of Mingo Health Solutions? 

We specialize in mental and behavioral health services. Mingo Health Solutions is now an integrated care company. Our foundation focuses on psychotherapy, counseling, and behavioral health services. We provide services for children with autism and rehabilitation mental health services, coping skills and how to manage their mental health issues. We also provide medication management services, and we have classes for domestic violence issues and CPR. 

What are some unique differences between Mingo Health Solutions and other mental health care services in the Valley? 

We provide uniquely comprehensive mental health services that speak to our core values of genuine compassion, empathy, and professional integrated care. We want people to know that we are happy they called us for treatment, and that is exemplified through our cultural warmth and care. Demographically, we primarily have Black and Brown therapists. That’s another thing that makes our company unique. 

Do you see a high level of mental health services needed in the State? 

There is a shortage of mental health services providers and there is a need. There is a shortage of culturally diverse providers that want to serve populations with a high need for mental health services. Over the last few years our suicide rate in Nevada has lessened — but over the last 20 years Nevada’s risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety has continual increased — overall and especially among our youth. 

What are some of the key warning signs that a person is experiencing mental health challenges? 

The first warning sign is change in behavior — it might be the sign of a crisis. Some people with depression might go abruptly from feeling bad to feeling happy. People who have severe depression and suicide ideation; changing from a positive to negative mood — this can be a warning sign. Typically, people begin to isolate themselves from loved ones, stop engaging in activities of enjoyment, and have negative thoughts about themselves. They might become irritable and violent and either sleep too much or not enough. Also, changes in appetite and inability to resolve conflicts. A young person might have difficulty in school and keeping their grades up and socializing. When a person cannot maintain their lifestyle and have difficulties in these areas — these are warning signs that mental issues are taking place. 

Should we look at the hereditary aspect of our family’s mental health history? 

Absolutely, this is what we don’t do enough of is to find out about our family’s mental health history. We don’t share enough about our family’s health. We need to know about our parents and grandparents’ mental health conditions so we can have a reference point if mental health disorders happen. 

What are your feelings about marijuana contributing to mental illness? 

Marijuana can contribute to mental health crisis. We must be very careful, especially our youth, because the brain does not fully develop until the age of 25 — and before your brain can get fully developed, you might be impacting its growth by taking marijuana, alcohol or any other drugs.