Blue Elephant Counseling, a mental health counseling agency based in Dannebrog, Nebraska, has been awarded $432,000 in funding from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska via the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding will be used to expand online mental health counseling services across the state of Nebraska, providing greater access to mental health care for individuals who may have previously faced barriers to accessing services.
This project is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 funding for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and is being administered by the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) by way of an award totaling $432,000. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, BHECN, UNMC, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit BHECN’S ARPA website.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health care, with increased stress, anxiety, and isolation affecting individuals across the country. However, accessing mental health care services has not always been easy, particularly for those in rural areas or who have limited access to transportation.
By expanding online mental health counseling services, Blue Elephant Counseling hopes to break down these barriers and make mental health care more accessible to those who need it most. The funding will allow the agency to increase the number of licensed mental health counselors on staff and provide training to existing staff members to improve their ability to deliver high-quality mental health care services online.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding to expand our online mental health counseling services across Nebraska,” said Blue Elephant Counseling Founder and Clinical Director, Katie Donahoo. “Our mission has always been to make mental health care accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or background. This funding will allow us to reach more people in need and provide them with the high-quality care they deserve.”
Expanding online mental health counseling services will also allow Blue Elephant Counseling to better serve individuals who may be hesitant to seek traditional in-person counseling services due to social stigma or concerns about privacy. Online counseling provides a safe and confidential way for individuals to receive mental health care services in the comfort of their own homes.
Blue Elephant Counseling has been providing mental health counseling services to individuals and families online and across Nebraska since 2021. The agency’s team of licensed mental health counselors provides individual, couples, and family counseling services, as well as specialized counseling services for children and adolescents.
With the expansion of online mental health counseling services across the state of Nebraska, Blue Elephant Counseling hopes to provide greater access to mental health care services and help more individuals and families lead healthy, fulfilling lives.