Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska

03/12/2026

Our BHECN Scholars Spotlight highlights one of the exceptional students participating in the BHECN Scholars program—a statewide initiative designed to build Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce by supporting undergraduates who plan to pursue graduate-level training in behavioral health. Through mentorship, tuition support, and a strong cohort model, these Scholars are preparing to make a meaningful impact across Nebraska’s communities.

This month, we are happy to feature Steven Dalmeida, an Omaha native who currently attends Nebraska Wesleyan University. Learn more about Steven in his own words here: https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/programs-training/student-trainee-opportunities/scholarsprofiledalmeida.html

03/10/2026

Applications for the Graduate Trainee Support Program (GTSP) are being accepted now through April 10.

GTSP applications will be accepted for experiences starting in the Summer. The program financially supports master’s-level students in behavioral health graduate programs across Nebraska during their advanced practicum or internship experiences that serve rural, public-sector, or justice-involved communities.

Students accepted into this program are eligible to receive up to $20,000 over the length of their experience. Payments will be divided equally based on the number of months the experience lasts.

Supervisors of students may receive up to $5,000 per student upon the completion of the student's experience.

Apply here: https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/programs-training/student-trainee-opportunities/graduatetraineestipend.html

03/05/2026

We are proud to share this important work in the Journal of Rural Mental Health by our team showing that investment in supervision can have a powerful impact our behavioral health workforce.

03/04/2026

The BHECN Student Advisory Board hosts the next session in its free virtual Lunch & Learn offerings today for students exploring behavioral health careers.

This one‑hour event starts at noon Central time and provides clear guidance on academic pathways, training requirements, and licensure options for future behavioral health professionals.

Students at any stage—from high school through graduate training—are welcome to attend and learn more about the many routes into the behavioral health workforce.

Register here:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Behavioral Health Pathways and Licensure. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

03/03/2026

With the opening of its Southeast site in 2025, BHECN now has a presence in each of Nebraska’s six behavioral health regions. As all six sites became fully operational, BHECN promoted Alyssa Spartz to Workforce Expansion Manager. In this role, she provides overall coordination, support, and management for the sites. She also helps lead BHECN’s efforts to expand each site’s profile and reach within its respective region. In the article linked below, Alyssa about BHECN’s sites, the role she sees them playing, and what the sites aim to accomplish in the coming months. https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/bhecn-sites/spartzsitesconversations.html

03/03/2026

BHECN Central is hosting a Provider Networking Social this evening in Kearney. The social starts at 5:30 at South Central Behavioral Health Services at 3810 Central Avenue. Providers in the Central region are invited to attend, connect with peers and learn more about behavioral health initiatives in the area!

03/02/2026

The BHECN Student Advisory Board hosts the next session in its free virtual Lunch & Learn offerings on Wednesday for students exploring behavioral health careers.

This one‑hour event starts at noon Central time and provides clear guidance on academic pathways, training requirements, and licensure options for future behavioral health professionals.

Students at any stage—from high school through graduate training—are welcome to attend and learn more about the many routes into the behavioral health workforce.

Register here: https://unmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GJbbwv4QSleRjogbqBTw5A #/registration

03/02/2026

From our March newsletter: Chadron High student pays F.A.R.M. C.A.M.P. gratitude forward, hotel rooms available for B-Con 2026 and much more! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Chadron-High-student-pays-F-A-R-M--C-A-M-P--gratitude-forward--hotel-rooms-available-for-B-Con-2026-and-much-more-.html?soid=1127725710743&aid=BUcVm8xir_U

02/27/2026

From News Channel Nebraska: A 17-year-old senior at Chadron High School has shown her gratitude for a BHECN-sponsored career awareness program by directing a $400 donation from the Snow-Redfern Foundation toward the program.

Senior’s $400 donation shows appreciation for BHECN-sponsored career awareness program.

02/24/2026

🎉 BHECN Networking Events Coming Up!

BHECN is hosting two regional Provider Networking Socials in March, and we’d love to see you there! These events are a great chance to meet fellow behavioral health providers, share insights, and strengthen connections across Nebraska.

📍 Central Nebraska Networking Social
🗓 Tuesday, March 3, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM (CT)
📌 South Central Behavioral Health Services, 3810 Central Ave, Kearney, NE

📍 Southwest Nebraska Networking Social
🗓 Friday, March 20, 2026
🕚 11:30 AM–1:00 PM (CT)
📌 Pals Brewing Company, 4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave, North Platte, NE
RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/xzWHw3t2H2

Whether you're looking to collaborate, learn more about regional behavioral health efforts, or simply connect with peers, we hope you'll join us!

02/23/2026

🌟 Free Virtual Lunch & Learn Series for Students Interested in Behavioral Health Careers! 🌟

The BHECN Student Advisory Board is hosting a webinar series designed to support students exploring or preparing for careers in behavioral health. These one‑hour sessions are free and open to learners at every stage — from high school through graduate training.

🔹 Crisis Intervention & Su***de Prevention
📅 February 25, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM CT
🎙️ Tina Morris, MS, LIMHP, CPC
🔗 Register: https://go.unmc.edu/crisisintervention2026

🔹 Behavioral Health Pathways & Licensure
📅 March 4, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM CT
🎙️ Presenters:
• Sara Sanson, LIMHP, LCSW
• Terri Mathews, PhD, RN, PMHNP
• Tom Maxson, LIMHP, LADC
• Alison DeLizza, PhD
🔗 Register: https://go.unmc.edu/bhpathways2026

✨ These sessions provide valuable insights, professional guidance, and real‑world perspective for anyone considering a future in behavioral health.

02/19/2026

Mahsa Omrani Sabbaghi, MD, a first-year psychiatry resident at Creighton University, has been named the 2025 CHI Health Lasting Hope Recovery Center (LHRC) Resident of the Year.

A native of Isfahan, Iran, Dr. Omrani Sabbaghi (pictured bottom row, second from the right) said the most rewarding part of her LHRC residency has been earning the trust of patients.

“Being trusted in that way feels sacred,” she said. “It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s what makes this field so meaningful to me.”

She shared that her residency strengthened her listening skills and expanded her ability to approach the people she interacts with humility.

“Going forward, I hope to build a career that keeps that depth—whether through patient care, teaching, or exploring subspecialties,” she said. “I want to continue learning and to practice in a way that always centers compassion and curiosity.”

Honorable mentions were awarded to Creighton psychiatry resident Jesse Woo, MD (bottom row, right), and UNMC psychiatry resident Brett Jesse, MD (bottom row, second from the left).