MISSION

The mission of the DICE Center is threefold and corresponds with the mission the University of Nevada, Reno.

Discovery

In alignment with UNR's second core theme, the DICE Center acts as a platform to create new knowledge through basic and applied research. The DICE Center aims to answer research questions regarding the behavioral health of ethnic minorities. This includes identifying barriers to services, examining the efficacy of behavioral health interventions with ethnic minority clients, and researching the best means to train clinicians to be culturally competent practitioners. Much of the work that Dr. Benuto does is focused on trauma. Thus, the DICE Center also examines risk factors in the development of behavioral health issues in the aftermath of trauma from interpersonal violence. We also examined treatment outcomes for interventions targeted at Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The DICE Center also conducts research on secondary traumatic stress (STS) including research on the prevalence of STS, the associated risk and protective factors, and interventions for frontline health professionals who are experiencing STS.

Engagement

UNR's third core theme is to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of Nevada citizens, communities, organizations, and governments through community outreach and reciprocal partnerships. The DICE Center aims to improve the well-being of Latino Nevadans through the delivery of behavioral health services to underserved victims of interpersonal violence  

Learning 

Undergraduate Mentorship Program: The DICE Center offers learning experiences for undergraduate students to help make them more competitive applicants to graduate programs and/or for employment opportunities. In addition to learning experiences, graduate students at the DICE Center provide mentorship to undergraduate students. 

Clinical Training: In alignment with UNR's first core theme, the DICE Center prepares graduates to compete globally through high-quality clinical training. Specifically, students enrolled in the clinical psychology program can receive training in through the THRIVE Center and La Clinica VIVA.