Support Archives - Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

Depression 101

27February2026Alexis SanteeCondition, Depression, life, Support, training

Depression is often described by folks experiencing it as a sadness that encompasses your life, impacts your day-to-day activities, and limits your functioning as you’d normally want to. It’s a condition known for its feelings of hopelessness and often worthlessness—and is misunderstood by many as something “you can snap out of.” Depression comes in many

Managing Grief and Loss

27February2026Alexis SanteeAnxiety, Fear, Grief, Loss, Support, training

Losing a loved one is never easy, and grief is a normal response to loss. It’s not at all unusual for someone in mourning to experience emotions ranging from anguish and fear to anxiety and anger. While there is no single “right” way to manage grief, there are healthy approaches, and most people find that,

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

Supporting Young Men’s Mental Health

2February2026Alexis SanteeMen's Mental Health, Support, Teen Boys, training, Young Men, Youth

Despite the progress that’s been made in talking about and addressing mental health, stigma still remains—especially in young male populations. For many teen boys and young men, it can be difficult for them to express how they’re feeling or admit that they have been struggling with mental health. Despite efforts being made around freedom of

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

Clinical Realities of Dissociative Identity Disorder: What Every Provider Should Know

2February2026Alexis SanteeCommunity, DID, Identity Disorder, Stigma, Support, training

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is complex—but with the right knowledge, clinicians, caregivers, and communities can play a meaningful role in healing. This on-demand session clarifies DID’s clinical realities, reduces stigma, and offers grounded, evidence-based strategies for support. Click here to view this training. Please submit a short summary or a certificate (if received) to Alexis

Anxiety in the Classroom: Educators and Health Care Professionals Must Work Together

30December2025Alexis SanteeAnxiety, children, OCD, Professionals, School, Support

A conversation with Yudelki M. Firpo-Perretti, PhD, and Abigail Stark, PhD, on how we can support kids and teens at school when they are struggling with anxiety and OCD. Click here to view this training. Please submit a short summary or a certificate (if received) to Alexis to receive 1 hour of continuing education.

DBT Skills: The Value of Validation

26November2025Alexis SanteeDBT, Emotional, Support, training, Validation

A few words can go a long way in helping someone feel understood. Say something as simple as “I hear you” or “That must seem really hard,” and you’re likely to provide more emotional support to that individual than you realize. Tell yourself that you recognize an inner experience, and you can likewise benefit internally.

Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

Sarpy County CASA: Advocating for foster children in Nebraska