It has often been said that there is no health without mental health. 

“Nebraska Medicine means that literally,” says David Cates, PhD, Nebraska Medicine psychologist and director of behavioral health. “Patients are often surprised to learn that our behavioral health specialists work side by side with our medical teams in primary care and specialty clinics like oncology and transplant services.” 

Nebraska Medicine primary care providers, behavioral health providers, nutritionists, pharmacists and social workers function as a holistic care team. When requested, mental health providers will consult with patients who need help coping with medical diagnoses, changing behaviors that affect overall health and managing depression, anxiety, stress and substance use.

“Because our behavioral health specialists are integrated within the clinics patients already know and trust, they can offer rapid access to mental health support, sometimes including same-day sessions,” notes Dr. Cates.

“The experience and expertise of our behavioral health specialists is invaluable in helping our patients navigate their health,” says James Watson, MD, FAAFP, Nebraska Medicine family practitioner. “Having a behavioral health specialist who can step into the room and see things or approach them from a different lens in real time gives our patients the immediate support and resources they need to handle any stress and anxiety that may be exacerbated by changes in health, diagnosis or treatment options.”

In contrast, traditional mental health services are often delivered in separate specialty clinics outside of primary care. “Nebraska Medicine primary care behavioral health services are designed to be brief, targeted and closely integrated with medical care,” explains Dr. Cates. “The emphasis is on timely access, collaboration with the primary care providers and addressing mental health in the context of the patient’s overall health care.” 

In addition to primary care, psychologists, psychiatrists and licensed mental health providers also work as part of the patient care teams in the following areas:

• Palliative care.
• HIV clinic.
• Organ transplant (liver, kidney, heart, lung).
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Bariatrics (weight loss).
• Inpatient medical-surgical units.
• Student Health at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
• Emergency department and psychiatric emergency services.
• Oncology.

Oncology is an area where patients often need mental health support as they cope with their diagnosis. Nebraska Medicine psychiatrists and psychologists with expertise in the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship are incorporated within the patient care team. These mental health providers see patients in the clinic or via telehealth when needed, reducing access barriers during an already challenging time. 

“Behavioral health providers collaborate closely with oncology teams to provide whole person cancer care, including support managing cancer-related distress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle adjustment concerns,” notes Dr. Cates.

“When a patient is navigating cancer treatment, living with HIV or preparing for a transplant, mental health evaluation and support can be a critical component of overall care,” says Dr. Cates. “We understand that no matter what type of care or condition you are dealing with, physical health is inseparable from emotional well-being.”

Reflecting its commitment to community behavioral health, Nebraska Medicine behavioral health services also works with a variety of institutions committed to underserved communities, including the Charles Drew Health Center, Radius Youth Residential Program, Douglas County Youth Center, Santee Sioux Nation Health Center, Chadron State College, Lincoln Regional Center, Sarpy County and 14 skilled nursing facilities.