Online Behavioral Health Services in Nebraska

Are you struggling with gambling or gaming addiction/disorder? Or, are you concerned about someone in your family or organization? You're not alone.

Mental Health in Nebraska at a Glance

Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Nebraska  indicates  that over 17.5% of the adult population has a diagnosed mental health condition. In addition, almost 34% of adults report having symptoms of anxiety and depression. What’s even more concerning, is that state youth which make up over 24% of the population are on a similar path. The Behavioral Health Barometer for the state  reports  that 13.6% of those aged 12-17 have experienced a Major Depressive Episode (MDE). While slightly below the regional average, the number has almost doubled from earlier in the millennium:

More concerning, is that nearly 60% of the 12–17 age group with depression did not receive any care in the most recently reported year. Data is currently being collected to include the psychological impact of COVID and sociopolitical unrest of that last 5-years. Experts expect the
numbers to grow much higher.

When looking at the statistics, it’s clear that Nebraskans are in need of greater mental health support today, and tomorrow. In fact, behavioral health concerns are on the verge of exponential growth. Why? Please keep reading.

Renewed Focus on Problem Gambling in Nebraska

The data above indicates that access to behavioral health services in the state is limited. Access to specialized therapy for disorders such as problem gambling, is even more limited.

While the state has performed better than many with respect to providing its residents with access to problem gambling counseling, there have been cutbacks of late. Nebraska Public Media reports on the current state of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program:

“The program has suffered from budget issues […] As a result, the agency has had difficulty finding and keeping counselors specializing in gambling addiction therapy.”

Nebraska Public Media

Research conducted by the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling finds that over 15% of the state’s adult population are either problem gamblers or at-risk gamblers. These residents exhibit gambling behaviors that put them at risk of developing a gambling disorder.
The transition from someone who is “at-risk” to having gambling disorder within the state is likely to accelerate through 2023 and beyond. Why? As of February 1 (2023) Nebraska was added to the US States with Legal Sports Betting Map. The state joined Ohio and Massachusetts as the annum’s first group of remaining states to legalize sports betting.

At press (March 2023) Nebraska is finalizing rules and regulations and has not yet allowed operators to accept wagers. Regardless, sports betting is now legal in the state and it’s only a matter of time before residents can participate. When this occurs, The landscape of problem gambling in the Cornhusker State will forever change. How will impact you, someone you care about, or work closely with?

Open Access to Gambling Addiction Counseling in Nebraska

As alluded to above, the state has been better than most with respect to providing residents to problem gambling resources. Nebraska’s Commission on Problem Gambling reports that 95% of its clients are located within 25 miles from a gambling counselor. That being said, the data reflects existing clients. What about those who are not currently in therapy? Considering recent budget cuts, something more needs to be done, and done fast.

This is where Kindbridge Behavioral Health comes in. We have entered the state to provide people, households, groups, organizations, and educational institutions with much-needed support. We have created an affordable, welcoming, and safe virtual environment where clients/patients get immediate help for gambling disorder. Select the service you need