Mental Health Archives - Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

Addressing and Preventing Self-Harm in Kids & Teens

27February2026Alexis SanteeKids, Mental Health, Self-harm, Teens, training

Growing up is difficult, and can result in a barrage of overwhelming thoughts and emotions in kids and teens. Self-harm is a way that they may try to cope with strong feelings they’re experiencing—but it’s also a sign of serious distress, may point to other mental health concerns, and could have lasting impacts. Click here

Acceptance & Commitment Skill-Building for Adolescents

27February2026Alexis SanteeAnxiety, children, Depression, Mental Health, skills, Teens

To some, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is associated with treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder. However, the strategies used in ACT can be beneficial for folks with depression, anxiety, substance use, and other conditions. In fact, its principles can be applied to anyone, at any age, regardless of their mental health status. What are the

How Can We Support Child and Teen Mental Health?

27February2026Alexis SanteeChild, Mental Health, Support, Teen, training

Kids lead busy lives—and with the pandemic, it seems as if things are changing on any given day. With the unpredictability of COVID-19, school, extracurricular activities, and more, children and adolescents may be struggling to feel like they have any control. Adults are juggling all of the same turmoil—so checking in on how your children

When Young People + School = Anxiety

2February2026Alexis SanteeAnxiety, children, Mental Health, School, Teens

School can be stressful at any age, and it’s perfectly natural for K-12 students to experience some level of anxiety. But for some kids and teens, school-related anxiety can grow so intense that it hinders their learning and mental well-being and might even lead them to avoid school altogether. Click here to view this training.

Real Talk About OCD: Kyle’s Journey

2February2026Alexis SanteeAnxiety, Mental Health, OCD, Support, training

Growing Up With OCD In this session, Kyle Elliot, EdD, a participant in McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma initiative, describes his experience with OCD. Kyle is a career coach, professional speaker, and writer who struggled with anxiety and OCD as a child. Fortunately, he received the help he needed and has learned to navigate his mental health

Tackling Addiction With Mental Health in Mind

2February2026Alexis SanteeAddiction, Mental Health, Recovery, training, Treatment

Addiction and mental health challenges are often deeply connected. This on-demand training explores their intersection and provides strategies for integrated treatment, recovery, and long-term support. Why This Training Matters Addiction and mental health conditions commonly co-occur. Treating one without the other often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery. Integrated care models can improve outcomes for

Suicidality: Let’s Talk About It

30December2025Alexis SanteeMental Health, prevention, Risk, Suicide, training

A conversation with Yeates Conwell, MD, and Anna Precht, PsyD, on understanding the basics of suicide, how to recognize who is at risk, and what to do if someone is struggling. Click here to view this training. Please submit a short summary or a certificate (if received) to Alexis to receive 1 hour of continuing

Decoding Distress – BPD, PTSD, and the Fine Line Between

30December2025Alexis SanteeBorderline Personality Disorder, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Treatment

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two very distinct mental health conditions—each marked by specific diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches. But BPD and PTSD symptoms often overlap, and it’s not uncommon for someone to struggle with both challenges. Far too frequently, the resulting confusion leads to misdiagnoses and delays to the

Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Community

30December2025Alexis SanteeChallenges, Community, Gender, Identity, Mental Health

Mental health challenges impact people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. But research suggests that members of the LGBTQ+ community face these challenges at higher rates than heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Why? The experts point to stigma and discrimination as likely contributing factors, while also noting that many face additional barriers to treatment. So

Early Childhood Mental Health

29December2025Alexis SanteeAttachment, Childhood, Development, Mental Health, Trauma

The Nebraska CASA Association is pleased to announce a free virtual training, entitled, “Early Childhood Mental Health” by Jason J. Dillard MSEd, LIMHP, LADC, NCC. This session goes through development and attachment of early childhood in addition to providing a simplified understanding of how traumatic events in a child’s life can alter that development and

Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

Sarpy County CASA: Advocating for foster children in Nebraska