Mental Health & Well Being in Nebraska

Recent Events

Mental Health Resources Across Nebraska

Nov. 17. 2022 Online Discussion Event

There is a nationwide shortage of mental health care providers, especially in rural areas. This online discussion explored mental health resources across Nebraska, challenges that currently exist, and ways that individuals and organizations are working to close the access gap with:

The event also featured video stories from:

This online event is inspired by the recent PBS documentary Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness A Film by Erik Ewers & Christopher Loren Ewers. Learn more about the film and watch online at PBS.org/plainsight, or on the PBS Video App.

Resources for Mental Health Resources Across Nebraska

Statewide and rural mental health resources

Explore these resources to learn more about mental health access across Nebraska and connect with community groups:

  • NAMI Nebraska: NAMI Nebraska provides statewide support to families and friends of individuals with mental illness. We also educate the public about mental illness using literature, speaking engagements, videos, workshops, conferences and this website. In addition, through ongoing communication with mental health professionals and public officials, we are seeking to improve and expand mental health services. We advocate for statewide mental health reform, equitable medical insurance, affordable housing, employment and civil liberties.
  • Nebraska Regional Behavioral Health Authorities: Nebraska is split into six Behavioral Health “Regions.” These are local units of governments that the state partners with to do planning and service implementation for behavioral health. The Regions purchase services from providers in their area. If necessary, services are purchased from other service providers across the state.
  • Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska: The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) recruits & educates students in behavioral health fields and trains & retains professionals already in the workforce.
  • Society of Care: The Society of Care is a trauma and resilience resource for self-identified Native American youth and their families in the state. They provide accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive behavioral care.
  • Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations: This statewide organization represents providers, regional behavioral health systems and consumer groups, with a goal of building strong alliances that will ensure quality behavioral health services, including substance use and mental health services, are accessible to all Nebraskans.
  • Rooted in Relationships: Rooted in Relationships is an initiative that partners with communities to implement evidence-based practices that enhance the social-emotional development of children, birth through age 8.
  • Rural Wellness Team: Nebraska Extension's Rural Family Stress and Wellness Team promotes the health and wellness of all Nebraskans. Along with the University of Nebraska, this diverse team of community partners meets regularly to share resources and programs that also focus on the unique needs of rural residents.
About Hiding in Plain Sight

About the Film

Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.

PBS LearningMedia Resources

Access resources for teachers and lesson plans related to Hiding in Plain Sight on PBS LearningMedia.

Sponsors and Partners

Support is provided by Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Movember, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Dana Foundation, Dauten Family Foundation, The Hersh Foundation, Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, XQ Institute, John & Frances Von Schlegell, Sutter Health, Robina Riccitiello, Jackson Family Enterprises, John C. & Katherine M. Morris Foundation, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and Pritzker Traubert Foundation.

Outreach and Engagement Partners include One Mind, CALL TO MIND at American Public Media, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, WE Organization, Forbes, PEOPLE, Mental Health America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The Steve Fund, The Jed Foundation, Athletes for Hope, Find Your Anchor, Well Being Trust, Embark Behavioral Health, Peg’s Foundation, and Inseparable.


Home & School Connections for Youth Mental Health

Oct. 18, 2022 Online Discussion Event

Strengthening partnerships between schools, providers and families gives our youth better mental health support. This discussion explored how we can create these connections in Nebraska with:

  • Josué Covarrubias, principal at Barr Middle School, Grand Island Public Schools
  • Sheri Dawson, director of the Behavioral Health Division, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (moderator)
  • Jennifer Jackson, executive director of Heartland Counseling, South Sioux City
  • Kiva Sam (Wamnuga Win), Educational Service Unit 1 school psychologist (intern) at Isanti Community School in Santee and citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe

Featured Nebraska video stories:

  • Eric Depue, a school social worker, Millard Public Schools
  • Katelynn Meadows, youth story from Lincoln
  • Alex Carmona-Perez, youth story from Bellevue
  • Chadron Mental Health Book Club featuring Jill Paopao, language arts teacher, Chadron High School; Michael Sandstrom, social studies teacher, Chadron High School; and Sheyenne Sandstrom, second grade teacher, Chadron Primary School

This online event was inspired by the recent PBS documentary Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness A Film by Erik Ewers & Christopher Loren Ewers. Learn more about the film and watch online at PBS.org/plainsight, or on the PBS Video App.

Resources for Home & School Connections for Youth Mental Health

Resources for educators, caregivers and youth
  • Nebraska DHHS Behavioral Health Resources for Schools: Behavioral Health Resources for Schools is a compendium of selected behavioral health topics to assist educators and school staff working with these students. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Behavioral Health works closely with schools across the state in providing services to students and families as well as resources to educators and school staff. It is through this partnership that we can together ensure students are healthy, safe and thriving.
  • NAMI Resources for Youth and Young Adults: Here you will find additional information intended to help provide young people, educators, parents and caregivers with the resources they need. From a free downloadable coloring and activity book to a teen mental heath education presentation, to a guide for navigating college with a mental health condition, this page has resources for all young people. It also has handy information for parents, caregivers, and educators, like a one-pager on how to start a conversation about mental health and an example week of wellness activities that can be used at home.
  • Nebraska Department of Education School Mental Health Resources - Supporting school districts, students and families in supporting the Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellness of all.
  • Nebraska TAPP Program - Teachers and Parents as Partners: Fostering parent engagement in children’s education is important in helping young children reach their full potential. Teachers & Parents as Partners (TAPP) is a proven, research-based intervention aimed at establishing parent-teacher relationships to help ensure the success of your child.
  • Your Life Your Voice, Boys Town National Hotline's Website for Teens: This site provides teens with the opportunity to reach out for support and ask questions via ​phone, text, or email. There are tips and tools available on the site for kids (as well as parents and teachers) that provide additional guidance in dealing with the everyday issues that teens face. Youth and teens can also text with a live crisis counselor from 7am to 1am daily by texting VOICE to 20121.
  • Safe 2 Help Nebraska - The Boys Town National Hotline facilitates the Safe2Help Nebraska anonymous tip reporting service, to report concerning behavior which could impact the safety of students or schools across Nebraska. This includes concerns about students who may be contemplating suicide.
  • PTI Nebraska - PTI Nebraska (Parent Training and Information) is a statewide resource for families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. PTI will enable parents and students, creating the capacity for them to improve their educational outcomes.
  • Hiding in Plain Sight PBS LearningMedia Resources - Explore curriculum resources and lesson plans for grades 9-12 based on Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.

About Hiding in Plain Sight

About the Film

Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.

Sponsors and Partners

Support is provided by Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Movember, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Dana Foundation, Dauten Family Foundation, The Hersh Foundation, Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, XQ Institute, John & Frances Von Schlegell, Sutter Health, Robina Riccitiello, Jackson Family Enterprises, John C. & Katherine M. Morris Foundation, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and Pritzker Traubert Foundation.

Outreach and Engagement Partners include One Mind, CALL TO MIND at American Public Media, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, WE Organization, Forbes, PEOPLE, Mental Health America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The Steve Fund, The Jed Foundation, Athletes for Hope, Find Your Anchor, Well Being Trust, Embark Behavioral Health, Peg’s Foundation, and Inseparable.


Facing Suicide: Exploring Nebraska Resources

Sept. 7, 2022 Online Discussion Event

This online discussion about suicide prevention in Nebraska was inspired by the PBS documentary Facing Suicide. This event featured a live panel discussion and personal stories from Nebraskans impacted by suicide.

Panelists:

  • Dr. Belinda Hinojos, PhD, staff psychologist and training director, Morningstar Counseling
  • Jennifer Krajewski, North Platte Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinator, Southwest Nebraska LOSS Team coordinator, board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Nebraska Chapter, and suicide survivor
  • Dr. Dave Miers, PhD, LIPC, director of Behavioral Health at Bryan Health and co-founder of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition
  • Jennifer Sparrock, LCSW LIMHP, manager of Psychiatric Emergency Services at Nebraska Medicine and board chair elect of the AFSP Nebraska Chapter

Nebraska stories:

  • Soni Cochran, team lead of Nebraska Extension's Rural Family Stress & Wellness Team, certified QPR trainer, and suicide loss survivor
  • Jeremy Koch, Nebraska business owner, suicide awareness advocate and author, and suicide survivor
  • Donna Wolff, president of the Northeast Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition, AFSP Nebraska board member, and suicide loss survivor

Facing Suicide is available to watch online at PBS.org/facingsuicide, or on the PBS Video App.

Explore Facing Suicide Resources

About Facing Suicide

About the Film

Each year tens of thousands of Americans take their own lives, and many more have thoughts of suicide. Facing Suicide, a new documentary from Twin Cities PBS, investigates this urgent health care challenge. Narrated by Josh Charles, the film explores the stories of Americans impacted by suicide and journeys to the frontlines of medical and scientific research to meet some of the people who are working to curb the suicide crisis. Though suicide touches all races, genders, and socio-economic groups, the film finds that there is reason for hope: advances in research are shedding new light on risks and revealing prevention strategies that can save lives. Poignant, powerful, and timely, the Facing Suicide project aims to elevate and destigmatize the topic of suicide; offer an important message of hope and healing; and empower audiences and communities to help those who may be at risk.

Sponsors and National Partners

Major funders for Facing Suicide are PBS, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. National partners are the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Jed Foundation, and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.

Related Content

Recent Nebraska Public Media News Stories

Nebraska Strong: Well-Being During Trying Times

Support during stressful times is more important now than ever. Whether it is from the impacts of COVID-19, financial concerns or relationship issues, dealing with stress and mental well-being is critical to live a full, good, life. The Nebraska Strong Recovery Project is an outreach program working with individuals, families and communities impacted by COVID-19 and other issues that threaten well-being. Nebraska Strong provides community-based support and education to help all Nebraskans.


WELL BEINGS Programs

The WELL BEINGS campaign addresses the critical health needs of Americans through broadcast content, original digital content, and impactful local events. The multi-year campaign, created by WETA Washington, D.C., brings together partners from across the country, including patients, families, caregivers, teachers, medical and mental health professionals, social service agencies, private foundations, filmmakers, corporations and media sponsors, to create awareness and resources for better health for all.

WELL BEINGS events in Nebraska and across the country were inspired by the Ken Burns-produced documentary Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness currently available to watch on PBS.org or the PBS video app.

To learn more, visit WELLBEINGS.org or follow @WellBeingsOrg on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and join the conversation with #WellBeings.


State of Mental Health

Nebraska Public Media News explored mental health issues across Nebraska in this news series.

Nebraska Mental Health Resources

Looking for mental health resources? Download this guide to see lists of national organizations and partners, as well as Nebraska mental health resources located across the state.


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Call 988

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.

It provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.


Questions about this series?

Contact us at engage@nebraskapublicmedia.org


Community Partners

Nebraska Public Media's mental health events are planned in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Nebraska Chapter, the Behavioral Health Division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Boys Town National Hotline, Bryan Health, the Kim Foundation, NAMI Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Education's Project AWARE, Nebraska Extension's Rural Wellness Team and the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition.


Neb Needs You Kindness

#NENeedsYou

Nebraska Needs You is a community-wide social media campaign focused on promoting hope, resilience and connectedness among rural youth in Nebraska by sharing positive and empowering key messages that will encourage them to see their worth, take care of their mental health and to reach out for help if they or someone they know is considering suicide.