A Community Health Worker, or CHW, is a trusted member of the community who is trained to help people navigate health and social service systems — without being a doctor, nurse, therapist, or clinician of any kind. It's a role built on shared lived experience and practical know-how, not clinical credentials.
What a CHW Actually Does
At RHTWG, a trained peer Community Health Worker might sit with you to:
- Walk through a SNAP or Medicaid application, step by step, gathering the documents you need along the way
- Help you understand a housing notice or connect you to rental assistance programs
- Navigate you toward the right program — whether that's RISE Stability, Veterans Wellness, or Document Readiness — based on what you're actually dealing with
- Provide steady, judgment-free support during a hard stretch, simply by being present and consistent
The through-line in all of it: a CHW helps you get to the resource, understand the process, and follow through — without requiring insurance, a diagnosis, or a referral.
Why "Non-Clinical" Matters
RHTWG is upfront about this because it matters for setting the right expectations: our Community Health Workers are not therapists, doctors, or crisis counselors, and our services are not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. What CHWs bring instead is lived experience, patience, and deep familiarity with how Las Vegas's systems actually work — often because they've navigated similar situations themselves.
If you're in crisis or need medical or mental health treatment, a CHW can help connect you to the right professional resources — but the support itself is peer-led and educational, not clinical.
Where You'll Find CHWs at RHTWG
Community Health Worker support runs through almost every RHTWG program: SNAP and Medicaid enrollment, Document Readiness, Housing Navigation, and general Get Support intake all involve a trained peer CHW sitting down with you and walking through the process, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Community Health Worker the same as a therapist?
No. A CHW is a non-clinical peer support role. RHTWG does not provide therapy, diagnosis, medical treatment, or crisis care.
Do I need insurance to work with a CHW?
No insurance is required. RHTWG's Community Health Worker support is low cost, free, sliding scale, or by donation depending on the program.
How do I connect with a Community Health Worker at RHTWG?
Call (844) 983-3500, text (702) 983-8998, or schedule a session through Get Support — no referral needed.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Call, text, email, or schedule a session online. We'll meet you exactly where you are.
Get Support Now