Mental Health Services
Most of Nebraska’s Behavioral Health services are managed directly by the six Regional Behavioral Health Authorities. These RBHA’s are responsible to the counties they serve, and assure that vital services are available to persons in or near their home communities. The RBHA’s contract with local resources to provide public inpatient, outpatient, emergency and community services. The Division of Behavioral Health Services provides funding, oversight and technical assistance to the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities.
The Division of Behavioral Health Services also manages the Regional Centers that are located in Hastings, Norfolk and Lincoln. These Regional Centers provide longer-term care for persons committed by mental health boards or the courts. The Nebraska Behavioral Health Services Act mandates that care be focused in communities rather than hospitals. As a result, every effort is made to avoid lengthy hospitalizations and instead promote meaningful involvement in the consumers’ communities of choice. The Regional Centers are monitored by DBHS to ensure high-quality, cost effective services that promote recovery in all phases of care.
Funding comes from a variety of resources, from the federal government to local counties. The Division of Behavioral Health assess for gaps in services and makes certain that funds are spent on prioritized needs. The Division also ensures that services are high-quality, cost-effective and accessible to those without health insurance or other funding.
Who Gets ServicesServices are provided to Nebraska residents with mental illness and/or problems with addiction. Both children and adults are served. Ability to pay is not a factor; persons pay what they can afford.
Activities Within the Division:
- Childrens Behavioral Health Services
- Critical Incident Stress Management Team
- Consumer Advocacy - Office of Consumer Affairs
- Mental Health Commitment Board Training
- Nebraska Mental Health Housing Information
- Nebraska Mental Health Needs Assessment
Grants and Reports:
Mental Health Block Grant Implementation Report FY 2007 726 kb
Representing the Public and Consumer Advocacy
The Division of Behavioral Health works closely with many public agencies, service providers, and local governments. There are individual state-wide advisory committees for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Problem Gambling. The State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services' input, along with input from other agencies, providers and advisory boards is needed for the strategic planning of services, as well as identification and resolution of problems. This information is also given to legislators considering changes in Behavioral Health Law.
The DBH Office of Consumer Affairs can be directly accessed by consumers. Staff members are available to listen to concerns, investigate complaints and provide other advocacy services via the Helpline. Surveys are conducted to seek opinions on services and outcomes. They also help consumers by providing training, organizing advocacy activities and sharing information to affect public policy.
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